11 killed in shooting at Wagner-controlled gold mine in Central African Republic
- A shooting at a Wagner-controlled gold mine in Ndassima resulted in at least 11 deaths.
- The victims were reportedly young people from local villages searching for gold residue.
- Residents are mourning and expressing outrage over the violence and lack of accountability.
In the Central African Republic, a tragic event occurred when a shooting at a gold mine left at least 11 individuals dead. This incident took place on Wednesday night in Ndassima, a location approximately 450 kilometers east of the capital city, Bangui. Accounts from local residents indicate that the victims were mostly young individuals seeking gold residue and gravel at the site controlled by the Wagner mercenary group. Reports specify that these individuals were not permitted access to the mine by the Wagner forces, yet driven by necessity and unemployment, they ventured in search of resources to support their livelihoods. Witnesses like Serge Pounematchi, whose son was among the deceased, recounted a desperate scene where people from surrounding communities had been searching for valuable materials in the face of dire economic challenges. Many locals expressed deep sorrow and outrage, emphasizing a sense of injustice regarding the disregard for the right to life. Support from aid workers disclosed that the victims primarily came from nearby villages and that local officials did not provide any immediate clarification regarding the violence that unfolded at the mine. The Wagner Group, linked to Russia, has frequently been accused of permitting rights violations and engaging in extrajudicial killings with little to no accountability in the Central African Republic. Their presence in this area aims to combat rebel factions and claim involvement in restoring peace. However, this armed group's actions have instead raised alarm among the local population, who feel vulnerable and unprotected. As reports continue to emerge, concerns have surfaced about the safety of remaining villagers, with some reportedly still unaccounted for after the shooting. The community remains in mourning, holding funerals for those lost to this latest act of violence, which starkly illustrates the ongoing humanitarian crisis and instability plaguing the region. The young populace, often left with few opportunities, continues to face perilous choices, further compounding the cycle of violence and despair that has gripped the Central African Republic.