Boali | |
---|---|
![]() The Falls of Boali | |
Coordinates: 4°48′N 18°7′E / 4.800°N 18.117°E | |
Country | Central African Republic |
Prefecture | Ombella-M'Poko |
Government | |
• Mayor | Pierre Poutou[1] |
Population (2012)[2] | |
• Total | 9,314 |
Boali is a town located in the Central African Republic prefecture of Ombella-M'Poko.
Boali is located on National Highway 1 (RN1),[3] about 100 km northwest of the national capital, Bangui.[4] The road, one of the country's few paved highways, leads on to Bouar, and ultimately to Cameroon.[5]
Situated on the Mbali River, Boali is noted for its waterfalls and for the nearby hydroelectric works. The Falls of Boali are 250 m wide and 50 m high, and are a popular tourist destination.[5]
The two units of the Boali Hydroelectric Power Station, Boali I and Boali II, are located below the falls. They have a combined generating power of 18.65 megawatts, and are operated by the state-run Enerca.[6] The completion of Boali I in the 1950s spurred several other industrial developments in the town, including the country's first textile mill, which began operating in 1954.[7]
The Boali hydroelectric works supply power to the capital and 13 other towns.[6]
Initial arrangements were made in 2010 for a third hydroelectric plant, Boali 3, to be built with Chinese assistance.[8]
This strategic role was used by the Seleka rebels in March 2013, who took over the plant on their way to Bangui and shut off power to the city.[9] On 17 January 2014 Séléka withdrew from Boali. 300 anti-Balaka fighters entered town killing four civilians[10] On 5 December 2015 the city was recaptured by government forces.[11]
On 24 December 2020 rebels from Coalition of Patriots for Change attacked Boali.[12] They were pushed back by government forces on 11 January 2021.[13]