Shooting at Wagner Gold Mine in Central African Republic Claims Lives

• At least 11 people died in a shooting at Wagner’s gold mine.
• The incident occurred in Ndassima, Central African Republic.
• Young men were reportedly trying to collect gold before being shot.
• Silence from Central African authorities adds to community unrest.
• Wagner’s history in the region includes numerous human rights violations.

Tragic Shooting at Wagner Gold Mine Leaves Many Dead

Shooting incidents at extractive sites have become more frequent in the Central African Republic, with a tragic event unfolding at a Wagner-controlled gold mine. As reported by АР News, the shooting occurred in the early hours of July 16 near Ndassima, a village located roughly 450 kilometers from Bangui, the capital. Local reports indicate that more than 10 young men were killed as they attempted to gather residual gold, a gravel and sandy mixture mined in the area.

Details Emerge of the Incident and Community Impact

Witness accounts reveal a grim scenario where these young men were shot on-site, suggesting that they might have been searching for gold in a restricted area under duress. Humanitarian workers corroborate the death toll, which stands at a minimum of 11 individuals, potentially rising as more locals, who sought gravel under cover of night, are reported missing. The silence from the authorities is deafening, having yet to provide any official comments or inquiries regarding this horrendous incident.

Wagner’s Role and Its Impact on Local Politics

Wagner has been implicated in numerous human rights violations in the region since its operations began in 2017, hidden behind a guise of a legitimate company, Midas Resources. This situation is not new; records from 2022 documented over 65 fatalities at the Aigbado mine alone, illustrating a continuous pattern of violence tied to their operations. Furthermore, the political influence of Wagner is significant, as they have supported President Touadéra, which has raised various concerns regarding their role in the country’s governance and the safety of its citizens.

The shooting incident at the Wagner gold mine highlights the ongoing violence and human rights abuses linked to the private military company in the Central African Republic. With the community in mourning, many are left wondering about the fate of those still unaccounted for. As Wagner continues its operations unchallenged, the risks to local populations from such violent encounters remain alarmingly high.