Travel Guide Kisangani

Kisangani (formerly Stanleyville) is one of Congo's oldest cities. Founded in 1883 by the explorer Stanley, it lies at the height of the Wagenia Falls, later renamed Stanley Falls. From the outset, the town was a battleground, pitting representatives of the independent Congo state against Arab slavers from Zanzibar led by Tippo Tip.In 1898, after years of conflict, the region was liberated by the Belgians and the Stanley Falls district became the Province Orientale, with Stanleyville as its capital.Between 1997 and 2003, the town was hard hit by years of conflict and occupation. In 1999, clashes broke out between rival factions of the RCD, a Congolese rebel movement fighting against Laurent-Désiré Kabila. From June 5 to 10, 2000, the "Six-Day War" pitted the Ugandan and Rwandan armies against each other, with the latter occupying the town until 2003.Today, life has returned to normal in the country's third-largest city, which is asserting its status and managing to revitalize itself. It has a population of almost 2 million. Kisangani has retained its charm, with majestic waterways, well-designed avenues, emblematic buildings and centuries-old mango trees. The city is home to one of the country's leading universities, UNIKIS, and comprises six communes. Kisangani is capitalizing on its crossroads location and immense natural resources to develop.