Beni, Nord-Kivu

Beni
Part of Nationale 2, main road in Beni
Beni
Location in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Coordinates:
Country Democratic Republic of the Congo
Province Nord-Kivu
Government
 • Mayor
Population (2009)
 • Total 102,624

Beni is a town in north eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, lying immediately west of the Virunga National Park and the Rwenzori Mountains, on the edge of the Ituri Forest.

Overview

It is home to a market, an airport and the Christian Bilingual University of Congo (UCBC). As of 2009 it had an estimated population of 102,624.[1] Beni contains four communes, or municipalities: Beni, Bungulu, Ruwenzori and Muhekera.

The town was the scene of fierce fighting in the Second Congo War around 2001. Beni also has many MONUC bases; elements of the Indian-led North Kivu Brigade are based in the town.

Beni's mayor was in 2007 Jules Mungwana Kasereka, since Julien Kahongya was elevated to Governor of Nord-Kivu.[2]

References

  1. ^ "Congo (Dem. Rep.): largest cities and towns and statistics of their population". World Gazetteer. http://world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=&men=gcis&lng=en&des=wg&srt=npan&col=abcdefghinoq&msz=1500&geo=-46. Retrieved January 21, 2009. 
  2. ^ JeuneOnline CONGO