The "Force Publique" recruited heavily from the Tetela ethnic group in the Sankuru, Maniema and Lomami regions, especially during the Congo–Arab War (1892–94). In January 1895, the garrison of Luluabourg mutinied in response to the execution of the warlord Gongo Lutete for treachery during the war against the Arabs. In October 1896, there were approximately 3–4,000 Batetela rebels. The mutineers killed one of their white officers and escaped, being joined by Tetela soldiers from across the colony over the coming years.