At least 30 individuals have tragically perished following a catastrophic collapse of an artisanal gold mine in western Central African Republic, situated near the border with Cameroon, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The incident, which unfolded on Tuesday afternoon in the village of Zamboye, a few kilometers from the town of Garoua-Boulai, a significant community in eastern Cameroon, has ignited a wave of concern across the region. Cameroonian media reports indicate the collapse occurred during a rescue operation, which initially involved the mobilization of local responders and residents, who were credited with pulling 30 bodies from the severely damaged mine over several hours. The injured miners were promptly receiving medical attention at a makeshift field hospital. Deputy Mayor Souleymane Bi, speaking on Wednesday, stated, ‘It is horrific and we are calling for immediate assistance from international organizations and all people of goodwill to provide support to those affected.’ A preliminary estimate suggests that approximately 40 individuals were impacted by the collapse, though the exact number remains uncertain. Local civil servant Laurent Ngon Baba confirmed that the incident represents a devastating loss of life, stating, ‘At this stage, it is difficult to establish a formal toll, but we are aware of the significant loss of life.’ Cedric Mbango, a miner who was present at the site at the time, described the event as ‘catastrophic’ – a scene of complete collapse and burial. He recounted that the ground completely collapsed, burying numerous individuals, and that rescue efforts are currently underway to locate and retrieve any remaining victims. The government spokesman, Evariste Ngamana, expressed his sympathy for the families of the victims, emphasizing the authorities’ commitment to providing relief and assistance to those affected by this tragedy. The Central African Republic, a region characterized by the prevalence of artisanal mining, faces a persistent challenge: a significant number of people work in small-scale extraction mining, often outside of government control, exposing miners to considerable risks. A collapse in June of last year, which resulted in the deaths of dozens, highlighted this vulnerability. A separate incident occurred in mid-March, killing seven people at a mine in the village of Ngourroum, in the west of the Central African Republic. Subsequently, a landslide struck a mine in the northeast in February, resulting in the deaths of twenty individuals. The situation in the Central African Republic remains fluid, and authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and the number of casualties. The international community is keenly observing the situation, recognizing the potential for further instability and the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian assistance to support the affected communities.”
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Source: Al Jazeera Africa
