Berengo's Palace, Imperial residence in Bobangui, Central African Republic
Berengo's Palace is an official residence in Bobangui featuring a main building, separate quarters for advisors, ministerial lodgings, agricultural facilities, and an airport on its expansive grounds. Industrial facilities within the complex include a sawmill, record manufacturing plant, and recording studio that demonstrate its self-sufficient infrastructure.
Emperor Jean-Bedel Bokassa established Berengo Palace as his official residence in December 1977, creating a center of power away from the capital Bangui. The construction of the palace was part of a broader strategy to consolidate imperial authority in the region.
The palace stands on Ngbaka ethnic territory, where local people traditionally served in the imperial guard and performed ceremonial duties. This connection shaped the daily life at the site and the relationship between the court and the surrounding community.
The site is relatively remote and requires careful planning for a visit, particularly regarding travel routes and local conditions. It is advisable to inquire beforehand about current access and accessibility, since the location now serves an active military function.
Since 2018 the former imperial residence functions as a military training base where Russian instructors prepare Central African Republic soldiers. This unexpected transformation shows how the site's purpose shifted dramatically after the empire ended.
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