Baraka

Baraka, meaning "blessing" in Swahili, is the main city of Fizi Territory in Sud-Kivu province, on the shore of Lake Tanganyika (not Lake Kivu, despite the province's name) in eastern DRC. It was founded by Arab-Swahili traders in the 19th century as a base for triangular trade, and in 1882 became the first settlement in the Kivu region to adopt an urban administrative model; it was formally granted city status in 2010. Its population, estimated around 120,000 as of 2014, is predominantly Swahili- and Ebembe-speaking. The city and wider Fizi Territory have repeatedly been affected by armed conflict and displacement in eastern DRC's ongoing instability, and its economy runs on lake fishing, agriculture, and small-scale trade.

By Plane

Via the nearest provincial airstrip; scheduled service to this area is limited.

By Car / Road

Baraka is reached by road from other Sud-Kivu towns, and by boat along Lake Tanganyika; roads in the territory are largely unpaved.

Walking and motorbike taxis.

Lake Tanganyika's shoreline, and Baraka's identity as a historic Swahili trading town founded in the 19th century, are the town's defining features.

Sachet water and palm wine.

Local produce and handicrafts at the town market.

The provincial capital is the main onward destination.