In case of emergency
About two hundred soldiers of the Free State "Force Publique" occupied the fort where they manned the fort's eight ship guns. In case of emergency, they were supported by local auxiliaries. The troops of various tribes were assembled there to prevent impending mutinies. They were principally from distant regions to counter any rebellion, such as the Batetela rebellion of 1885–87. Nonetheless, a major mutiny occurred among Tetela soldiers in the fort on 17 April 1900.