Bukavu

Bukavu is a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), located on the extreme south-western border of Lake Kivu, west of Cyangugu in Rwanda and separated by the Ruzizi River's discharge. It is the seat of the South Kivu province, with an estimated population of 806,940 people in 2012.

Bukavu is part of the historic area of the Bushi Kingdom and this is one of the most beautiful historical sites in Democratic Republic of the Congo. When the first Arabs, then Europeans, came in Bushi at the end of the 19th century, it was administered by a "Muluzi" Nyalukemba. In Shi's language, 'Muluzi' or 'Baluzi' in plural signifies 'the nobleman' or 'nobility.' Bukavu was known as "Rusozi" before the Europeans arrived in the Bushi Kingdom. Bukavu is derived from the term 'bu 'nkafu' (cow farm) in Mashi, the Bashi language. The Belgian colonial government created Bukavu in 1901. After Vice Governor-General Paul Costermans, the town was renamed "Costermansville" (in French) or "Costermansstad" (in Dutch) in 1927. It was renamed back to Bukavu in 1953.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bukavu (Catholic Church), Kimbanguist Church, Baptist Community of Congo (Baptist World Alliance), Baptist Community of the Congo River (Baptist World Alliance), Assemblies of God, Province of the Anglican Church of the Congo (Anglican Communion), Presbyterian Community in Congo are among the places of worship (World Communion of Reformed Churches). There are also mosques for Muslims.

Location : South Kivu