Shooting at a Central African Republic gold mine run by Russia’s Wagner leaves 11 dead
BUGUI, Central African Republic (AP) – A shooting in a mine controlled by the Wagner mercenary group linked to Russia in the Central African Republic killed at least 11 people, residents and humanitarian workers on Friday.
The victims were killed on Wednesday evening at the Ndassima gold mine, around 450 kilometers (280 miles) east of the capital of the Pays de Bangui, residents and humanitarian workers told the Associated Press. Residents of neighboring villages are prohibited access to the mine controlled by Wagner.
Resident Serge Pounematchi, whose son was one of the people killed, said the victims were on the site looking for gold and gravel residues when they were summarily killed. He joined other villagers to organize funeral for the victims.
“It is a shame that the right to life does not exist,” said Pounematchi.
The authorities have not yet confirmed the details of the violence and local officials have not immediately responded to requests for information.
Two humanitarian workers, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of being targeted, confirmed that the victims were young people from the surrounding villages and that most were slaughtered.
Constantin Pounoukouzou, a resident of Ndassima, said that some villagers were still missing. “Young people unemployed have no choice but to go to this site at night (for) the gravel,” said Pounoukouzou.
Wagner is often accused of having carried out violations of rights and extrajudicial murders with little or no responsibility in the Central African Republic, where he undertook to fight the rebel groups and to restore peace.
The mercenaries served as personal bodyguards to President Faustin Archangel Touadera, helping him to win a constitutional referendum in 2023 which could extend his power indefinitely.
