Central African Republic: More than 100 dead in gold mine collapse

The death toll is high in the Central African Republic. At least 107 people died after the collapse, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, of an artisanal gold mine in Zamboye, in the west of the country, near the border with Cameroon.

The tragedy occurred while several miners were in the tunnels. Rescue workers have already recovered more than a hundred bodies, while others remain missing.

The search continues for any possible survivors and to recover victims still buried under the rubble. Authorities have also launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the collapse.

This tragedy serves as yet another reminder of the dangers faced by artisanal gold miners, particularly in areas where safety conditions remain precarious.

Yolande Bazié