What is kwilu river?

The Kwilu River is a river in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It flows for approximately 950 km (590 miles) from its source in the Kasai Plateau through the central-western part of the country before emptying into the Congo River. The river has a drainage basin of over 120,000 square km (46,330 square miles), making it the largest right-hand tributary of the Congo River.

The Kwilu River supports a diverse array of aquatic and terrestrial plants and animals, including crocodiles, hippos, and various fish species. It also provides a vital source of water for irrigation and transportation for the people living along its banks.

The river has played an important role in the cultural and political history of the region. It was the birthplace of the ancient Kingdom of Kongo, one of the earliest and most powerful states in central Africa. Today, the river remains central to the livelihoods of the people living in the region, who rely on its waters for agriculture, fishing, and other economic activities. However, like many rivers in the DRC and across Africa, the Kwilu River faces numerous threats from pollution, deforestation, and other forms of environmental degradation.