At least 107 people have died in a landslide at an illegal gold-mining site near the border between the Central African Republic and Cameroon, RFI reported on August 19, citing local authorities.
The collapse occurred on August 18 at the Zamboi mining site near Garoua-Boulai, where several hundred miners were reportedly working. Rescue teams have recovered 107 bodies from the debris, but the death toll is expected to increase as the search continues.
The site has been described by local mining unions as one of the most dangerous in the border area, where safety regulations are poorly enforced. Most of those working at the site were reportedly operating illegally.
The ownership of the mine remains unclear. The wider border area is also known for the presence of armed groups, rebel factions and foreign private military contractors involved in mining activities.
