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Article 11 - Volume 36/1 - 2026

Paper title:

Intercommunity relations (Bantu and indigenous peoples) and access to water in Pokola in the Sangha region (Republic of Congo)

Author(s):

Prince Loïque MABA NGOULOUBI 1

1 Université Denis Sassou Nguesso, Institut Supérieur des Sciences Géographiques, Environnementales et de l’Aménagement, République du Congo. Membre du Laboratoire Géographie, Environnement et Aménagement (LAGEA), Université MARIEN NGOUABI, République du Congo. Membre du Laboratoire de Géographie Rurale et d’Expertise Agricole (LaGREA), Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Bénin. Membre du Groupe de Recherches sur le Bassin du Congo (G.R.BaC)

Pages:

163 - 176

Publishing date:

19 December 2025

Abstract:

Located in the Sangha department, the Commune of Pokola provides a prime location for studying intra-community relations between Bantu and Indigenous peoples, particularly regarding access to water. In a context where the Congolese Constitution (Article 16) guarantees the promotion and protection of the rights of Indigenous peoples, this research analyzes the social dynamics related to water infrastructure. The study focused on three representative neighborhoods (Bondzokou, Mevellec, and Pélé), chosen for the coexistence of the two communities. Seven focus groups of ten participants each were organized separately for Bantu and Indigenous people to encourage open discussion and avoid tensions. The results reveal close and multifaceted relationships (agricultural cooperation, sharing of water points, social interactions), but these are perceived as primarily benefiting the Bantu. All respondents acknowledge the existence of intra-community conflicts, including those surrounding water points, which are generally resolved through police intervention, mediation, or local authorities. The public tap appears to be the main source of water, supplemented by alternatives (springs, wells, rainwater, rivers). Despite a shared theoretical right to access water, discriminatory practices persist against Indigenous people, limiting their actual use of the infrastructure.

Keywords:

Pokola, intercommunity relations, Bantu, indigenous, access to water.