Bouenza River
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Bouenza River | |
|---|---|
 Kouilou-Niari River basin | |
  | |
| Location | |
| Country | Republic of the Congo |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Mouth | Niari River |
• coordinates | 4°11′12″S 13°49′17″E / 4.186550°S 13.821485°E |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Kouilou-Niari River |
The Bouenza River is a river of the Republic of the Congo. It is a right tributary of the Niari River. It feeds the Moukoukoulou Hydroelectric Power Plant.
The Bouenza River meanders for most of its course. The northern part of the river flows in a southwest direction, forming the border between the Lékoumou and Pool departments. Lower down it flows southeast and then south through the Bouenza Department to its confluence with the Niara at the town of Kimpombo.[1]
History
In 1883 the Belgian Captain Edmond Hanssens established the post of Philippeville at the limit of the territories granted to Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza.[2] The post was founded at the confluence of the Bouenza and Niari rivers on behalf of Belgian interests under the cover of the Haut Congo Study Committee.[3] The operation was in response to a concern by king Leopold II of Belgium that the Portuguese might prevail in their claim to control the mouth of the Congo River. If so, Belgium would need an outlet to the Atlantic north of Loango.[2]