Ikela

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Ikela
Ikela Location in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Coordinates: 1°11′S 23°16′E / 1.183°S 23.267°E / -1.183; 23.267
Country	Democratic Republic of the Congo
Province	Tshuapa
Population  (2005)
• Language	Lingala

Ikela is a market town in Tshuapa, Democratic Republic of Congo, lying on the Tshuapa River east of Boende. Founded by Belgium in the early twentieth century as a trading post, it became an important local centre. It is the headquarters of the Ikela Territory. Ikela is a locality and the administrative center of the territory in the Tshuapa province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The territory of Ikela, a decentralized administrative unit within the Tshuapa province, covers a vast area of 22,565 km² and is home to over 294,129 inhabitants. It is composed of the Mongando, Boyela, Koka, Mongo, Topoke, and Watsi peoples, and is divided into five administrative sectors: Lokina, Loile, Lofome, Tshuapa, and Tumbenga. The dominant languages are Lingala and Lomongo, though several local dialects, such as Moko, Kitetela, Swahili, and Kikongo, are also spoken. The inhabitants, living in harmony with their environment, derive their livelihoods from the region's vast forests and rivers, notably the Lonkendu and Tshuapa. Agriculture, hunting, traditional fishing, and livestock farming form the pillars of the local economy, producing essential crops such as cassava, maize, plantain, rice, and peanuts, along with non-agricultural products like meat, fish, and wood. These activities ensure household survival and sustain small-scale local commerce.

The territory of Ikela has two health zones, Ikela and Mondombe, each equipped with a general reference hospital to provide medical care for the population. In terms of education, the region is served by two school districts, Ikela I and Ikela II, which oversee 216 primary schools and 113 secondary schools. Higher education is also present, with the Higher Institute of Medical Techniques (ISTM) and the University of Ikela. Politically, the territory enjoys representation at both local and national levels, with four deputies sitting in the provincial assembly and two in the national assembly, ensuring that the interests of Ikela’s inhabitants are defended within the institutions of the Republic.