Wau, South Sudan
Region: Wau, South Sudan is located in Western Bahr el Ghazal
Geographic Coordinates: 7.700000, 28.000000
Temperature Range: 23.0°C to 35.0°C (73°F to 95°F)
Population: 163442
Language: Dinka
Wau is a city located in the northwestern part of South Sudan, With an estimated population of over 151, 000 people. It is the capital city of Western Bahr el Ghazal state and serves as a commercial hub for the region. The city is situated on the banks of Jur River, Which provides water for both irrigation and fishing activities. Wau has a rich history dating back to pre-colonial times when it was a center for trade between different ethnic groups in the region.
During colonial times, Wau became an administrative center under British rule and continued to serve as such after independence. The city has experienced significant growth over recent years due to its strategic location near major transportation routes connecting South Sudan with neighboring countries like Chad and Central African Republic. This has led to increased trade opportunities and investment in infrastructure development projects such as roads, Schools, Hospitals among others. Wau is known for its diverse cultural heritage with various ethnic groups residing within its borders including Dinka, Fertit, Luo among others.
The locals are friendly and hospitable making it easy for visitors to integrate into their way of life. The city boasts several tourist attractions such as Wau Cathedral which was built by missionaries during colonial times; Tombol Hill where one can get panoramic views of the surrounding areas; Jur River that offers fishing opportunities; Wau market which sells local produce including fruits, Vegetables among others.
However despite all these positive attributes Wau has been plagued by conflict since 2013 when fighting broke out between government forces and opposition groups leading to displacement of thousands from their homes resulting in humanitarian crisis that still persists today despite peace being brokered last year. In conclusion, Wau is a vibrant city that offers visitors an opportunity to experience authentic South Sudanese culture while enjoying modern amenities. The challenges faced by this great town should not deter anyone from visiting or investing here but rather provide motivation towards supporting its development efforts through various means.
- St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral: A historic cathedral built in the early 20th century by French missionaries.
- Wau Market: A bustling market where visitors can buy local produce and handicrafts.
- Jebel Kujur: A scenic mountain range located just outside of Wau that offers hiking opportunities and stunning views.
- Jur River: A popular spot for fishing and boating.
- The Old Governor’s Palace: An abandoned colonial-era building that is now a historical landmark.
- Wau Museum: A small museum showcasing the history and culture of the region.
- Tomb of Sultan Abdallah Burdo: The final resting place of a prominent local leader from the 19th century.
- Bagari Forest Reserve: A protected forest area home to diverse flora and fauna, including elephants, antelopes, and monkeys.
- Western Bahr el Ghazal State Parliament
- Western Bahr el Ghazal University
- Wau, South Sudan is a major agricultural and trade center, with various industries and businesses.
- The city is known for producing crops such as sorghum, maize, groundnuts, and sesame.
- Livestock farming also serves as a significant source of income for the people of Wau.
- In addition to agriculture, there are many small retail businesses selling foodstuffs and household goods in the city.
- The hospitality industry in Wau includes a few hotels and restaurants that cater to both local residents and visitors.
- Furthermore, Wau serves as a transportation hub connecting other parts of South Sudan with neighboring countries such as Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- With ongoing efforts to rebuild infrastructure damaged during years of conflict, construction has become an important industry in Wau.
- Healthcare services are available through several hospitals and clinics providing medical care to the local population.
- Schools at all levels provide education opportunities for children in the area.
- Several banks have branches located within Wau providing financial services such as savings accounts, loans etc., to local residents.
- The establishment of Wau by Arab traders during the 19th century.
- Christian missionaries arrived in the early 20th century, establishing schools and hospitals.
- British colonial rule from 1920 to 1956 made Wau an important administrative center.
- During the First Sudanese Civil War (1955-1972), Wau was a major battleground between government forces and rebel groups.
- In the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983-2005), Wau again became a center for fighting between government forces and rebel groups.
- Notable people from Wau include former Vice President of South Sudan Riek Machar, former Governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal Rizik Zachariah Hassan, and musician Emmanuel Kembe.
- Unfortunately, recent years have seen conflict and displacement in Wau due to ongoing violence since South Sudan gained independence in 2011.
- Wau Museum: This museum displays the town and region’s history and culture.
- St. Mary’s Cathedral: This cathedral is an impressive example of colonial architecture and a vital religious site in Wau.
- Jebel Kujur National Park: Located outside of Wau, this park allows visitors to witness wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, and antelopes.
- The Tomb of Sultan Abdel Bagi Ayii Akol: This monument pays tribute to one of the most significant leaders in Wau’s history.
- The Old Market: In the heart of town is this market that provides visitors with an opportunity to experience local culture by browsing handmade crafts and locally grown produce.
- The Cultural Center: Exhibitions showcasing traditional arts like dance, music weaving and pottery-making are hosted here.
- Tonj State Museum (located around 2 hours drive from Wau): It houses exhibits on Dinka cultural heritage including artefacts from pre-colonial times up until contemporary art pieces made by local artists.
- Jur River County Cultural Heritage Centre – A community-based initiative that showcases traditional dances performances from various ethnic groups within Jur River County along with exhibitions on their cultural practices including fashion displays for different occasions like weddings or funerals among other things.
Note that due to ongoing conflict in some areas travel advisories should be checked before visiting any location within South Sudan especially for foreigners unfamiliar with the area or its customs.
- Wau Salaam Football Club: This is one of the most popular football clubs in Wau. It was founded in 1972 and has a long history of success in local tournaments.
- Wau Basketball Club: The basketball team was established in the early 1990s and has since become one of the most competitive teams in the region.
- Wau Athletics Club: This club was formed to promote athletics among young people in Wau and has produced several talented athletes over the years.
- Wau Volleyball Club: The volleyball team was founded more recently but has quickly gained popularity among young people who enjoy playing this sport.
Overall, sports play an important role in promoting unity and community development within South Sudanese society, especially for youth who need positive outlets for their energy and creativity during difficult times such as conflict or displacement from their homes due to war or natural disasters like droughts or floods which are common occurrences across much of Africa including South Sudan where these events often lead to food shortages as well as disease outbreaks like cholera which can be deadly without proper medical care available locally on time.
