Shooting at Wagner Gold Mine Leaves at Least 11 Dead in Central African Republic

• At least 11 individuals were killed in a shooting at a Wagner-controlled gold mine.
• The incident occurred near Ndassima, about 450 kilometers from the capital.
• Victims were reportedly searching for gold in restricted areas before being shot by guards.

Fatal Shooting Incident in Central African Republic

A tragic shooting incident at a gold mine controlled by the Russian private military company Wagner claimed at least 11 lives in the Central African Republic. Residents from the nearby village of Ndassima report that over ten young men were killed as they attempted to collect residual gold at the site. The violence occurred in the early hours of July 16, approximately 450 kilometers from the capital, Bangui.

Witness Accounts and Missing Persons

Witnesses describe how a group of young men navigated to the Wagner-controlled mine to scavenge for gold—a hazardous endeavor that ultimately cost them their lives. Many local residents contend that these individuals were searching for gravel in a restricted area when they were confronted and shot. Further complicating matters, anonymity-seeking locals indicated that numerous others, who might have gone to the site for similar reasons, remain unaccounted for following that fateful night.

Community Outrage and Official Silence

The father of one of the victims, Serge Serge Pounematchi, expressed his outrage over the incident, condemning the apparent disregard for human rights and the sanctity of life. “It is a shame that the right to life does not exist,” he stated, reflecting the prevailing sentiment among locals. As of now, there has been no public response from Central African Republic authorities, and both Wagner and mine representatives have refrained from commenting on the shooting—leaving many questions unanswered about the actions of armed groups in this volatile region.

This shooting underscores the ongoing violence and human rights abuses associated with Wagner’s operations in the Central African Republic, raising concerns about safety and accountability in the region. While local residents continue to call for justice, the lack of response from both the authorities and Wagner further complicates the situation. As the community mourns, questions regarding the protection of civilians and the role of private military contractors remain critically important.