Ruzizi

The Ruzizi is a river in East-Central Africa that connects Lake Kivu with the Congo River system. It forms part of the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda for much of its length, and its lower course drains into the Lualaba River, a major headwater of the Congo. The river runs roughly 250 kilometers from the southern end of Lake Kivu to its confluence with the Lualaba.

Geographically, the upper section of the Ruzizi follows the Rwanda–DRC border through a landscape of highland rainforests and volcanic foothills. In its lower course the river lies largely within the DRC as it approaches the Congo basin and the Lualaba.

Several hydroelectric installations have been developed on the Ruzizi to supply power to the region. Ruzizi I and II have operated for years, and there are expansion plans and ongoing projects intended to extend regional electricity access to parts of the DRC, Rwanda, and nearby areas.

The basin of the Ruzizi supports agricultural livelihoods, fishing, and small-scale transport. The upper valley lies in the Albertine Rift and adjacent forested areas, contributing to biodiversity and tourism in the region, including proximity to protected areas and volcanic landscapes. The river has also been a factor in regional politics, acting as a natural border that has influenced border demarcation, migration, and development efforts in the post-colonial era.