Because of the range of political beliefs within the Simba's attributing an ideology to the rebellion is very complex. Whilst the leaders claimed to be influenced by Maoist ideas,
Che Guevara wrote that the majority of the fighters did not hold these views.
[16] The fighters also practiced a system of traditional beliefs which held that through correct behaviour and the regular reapplying of
Dawa (water ritually applied by a
Medicine Man) would leave the fighters impervious to bullets.
[17]As well as
Dawa multiple sources, most notably an eye witness account from members of the US Consulate staff in Kisangani, note that the fighters would often be under the influence of a variety of illicit substances as they went into battle.
[18]