Boali | |
|---|---|
 The Falls of Boali | |
  Boali Location in Central African Republic | |
| Coordinates:4°48′N18°7′E / 4.800°N 18.117°E /4.800; 18.117 | |
| Country | Central African Republic |
| Prefecture | Ombella-M'Poko |
| Government | |
| • Sub-Prefect | Solange Mokolomboka Soza Makanda[1] |
| • Mayor | Pierre Poutou[2] |
| Population (2012)[3] | |
• Total | 9,314 |
Boali is a town located in theCentral African Republicprefecture ofOmbella-M'Poko.
Boali is located on National Highway 1 (RN1),[4] about 100 km northwest of the national capital,Bangui.[5] The road, one of the country's few paved highways, leads on toBouar, and ultimately toCameroon.[6]
Situated on theMbali River, Boali is noted for itswaterfalls and for the nearbyhydroelectric works. The Falls of Boali are 250 m wide and 50 m high, and are a populartourist destination.[6]
The two units of theBoali Hydroelectric Power Station, Boali I and Boali II, are located below the falls. They have a combined generating power of 18.65megawatts, and are operated by the state-runEnerca.[7] The completion of Boali I in the 1950s spurred several other industrial developments in the town, including the country's firsttextile mill, which began operating in 1954.[8]
The Boali hydroelectric works supply power to the capital and 13 other towns.[7]
Initial arrangements were made in 2010 for a third hydroelectric plant, Boali 3, to be built with Chinese assistance.[9]
This strategic role was used by theSeleka rebels in March 2013, who took over the plant on their way to Bangui and shut off power to the city.[10] On 17 January 2014 Séléka withdrew from Boali. 300 anti-Balaka fighters entered town killing four civilians[11] On 5 December 2015 the city was recaptured bygovernment forces.[12]
On 24 December 2020 rebels fromCoalition of Patriots for Change attacked Boali.[13] They were pushed back by government forces on 11 January 2021.[14]
