Landslide at gold mine near Cameroon-Central African Republic border kills dozens

A catastrophic landslide occurred on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at an artisanal gold mine, resulting in significant loss of life. Reports regarding the death toll vary: local authorities and initial reports cited by Sigma Live indicated at least 33 fatalities, while subsequent reports from the Agence France-Presse (AFP) cited by Philenews suggest the death toll could be at least 100 people. The incident took place at approximately 14:00 local time in a region situated near the border between Cameroon and the Central African Republic.

Discrepancies exist regarding the precise location of the tragedy. One source identifies the site as being near the Cameroonian border town of Garoua-Boulai, whereas another specifies the location as Zangoye, approximately 50 kilometers from the town of Bambo, within the Central African Republic. Rescue operations remain ongoing as teams search for survivors among the debris, with some injured miners receiving medical treatment.

The region is known for its gold wealth, which is predominantly extracted through manual labor. The collapse highlights the recurring danger of such mining operations, which often lack basic safety standards. Investigations into the exact cause of the collapse and the total number of individuals present at the site during the incident continue, though many more are feared trapped under the debris.