Dozens Dead in Gold Mine Collapse in Central African Republic

Several dozen people were killed on May 6, 2026, following a landslide at the Bé-Mbari gold mine in the Nana-Mambéré department of the Central African Republic (CAR), near the Cameroon border. Local sources confirmed the casualties to AFP, noting that many bodies remain buried and search operations for the missing are ongoing. The incident occurred in a remote, landlocked area where state control is limited and armed groups opposed to the government operate. No official communication has been released by authorities regarding the disaster. Landslides are frequent in CAR’s artisanal mines, which are often exploited illegally without adherence to safety regulations. This tragedy follows similar recent incidents, including deaths in Ngourroum in March and Gordi in February. Experts attribute these recurring disasters to non-compliance with mining rules and the prevalence of unauthorized operations. While artisanal mining is technically regulated, many workers lack permits and bypass official commercial circuits. The country’s rich mineral resources, including gold, diamonds, and uranium, attract numerous foreign companies, yet local artisanal sectors remain largely uncontrolled and dangerous.