More than 100 people have died after an artisanal gold mine collapsed in western Central African Republic (CAR), near the border with Cameroon.
The disaster struck on Tuesday, August 18, in Zamboye village, about 50km from Baboua in CAR and just a few kilometres from Garoua-Boulai in eastern Cameroon.
Witnesses said miners were working underground when the tunnels gave way. Video footage showed workers running for their lives as the cave-in buried dozens.
Gervais Ganagoroh, a Red Cross volunteer, told the Associated Press that “more than 100 bodies had been recovered from the collapse.”
A local mining association official confirmed the toll to Reuters, while AFP reported similar figures from other sources.
City official Bertrand Be Yangue warned the toll could rise, saying “finding them alive would be a miracle.” He described the tragedy as heartbreaking, with young men and women dying while trying to support their families.
Souleymane Bi, deputy mayor of Nana-Mambere prefecture, said “it is horrible … and we are calling for help from organisations and all people of goodwill to help.”
Cause Of The Collapse
The Baboua public prosecutor said the landslide was caused by “the collapse of several underground tunnels in which miners were operating.” He announced a judicial inquiry to investigate the incident.
Local official Laurent Ngon Baba told AFP that it was still difficult to establish a formal toll.
Cedric Mbango, a miner who survived, described the scene as “catastrophic. The ground completely collapsed and buried people. As I speak to you, other people are still buried. Rescue attempts are under way.”
Gregoire Mvongo, governor of Cameroon’s eastern region, told CRTV radio that authorities were “working in close collaboration with our Central African colleagues to deal with the aftermath of this tragedy.”
Cross-border cooperation is expected to continue as rescue teams search for survivors and recover bodies.
The collapse has drawn attention to the dangers of artisanal mining, which is common in CAR and neighbouring countries. Miners often dig tunnels without proper safety measures, leaving them vulnerable to cave-ins.
Backstory And Wider Context
Artisanal mining is a major source of income for communities in CAR, where poverty and instability drive people to risk their lives underground.
The country has faced years of conflict, leaving many regions without formal economic opportunities. Gold mining, though dangerous, provides families with cash to survive.
International organisations have repeatedly warned about unsafe mining practices in CAR. The latest tragedy underscores the urgent need for stronger regulation and safer working conditions.
As rescue efforts continue, families wait anxiously for news of loved ones still trapped beneath the rubble.
