Over 100 Dead in Gold Mine Collapse at Cameroon-CAR Border
A gold mine collapse near the Cameroon-Central African Republic border has killed over 100 people, with rescue efforts ongoing amid reports of indiscipline.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 22, 2026
2 min read
More than 100 miners lost their lives following the collapse of a gold mine located in the border village of Zamboye, which straddles the boundary between Cameroon and the Central African Republic (CAR).
Gregoire Mvongo, governor of Cameroon's East Region, confirmed the incident occurred around 2:00 pm local time on Tuesday. While the mine is primarily on the CAR side, several Cameroonian workers were also affected, with three to five fatalities reported among them.
State media in Cameroon reported over 100 deaths, with some outlets stating that 107 bodies had been recovered from the site. Contrasting figures emerged from CAR's Minister of Mines and Geology, Rufin Benam-Beltoungou, who confirmed 49 deaths, including 34 CAR nationals, 13 Cameroonians, and two Chadians.
Following the disaster, the mine has been temporarily closed. Minister Benam-Beltoungou highlighted concerns about miners' indiscipline contributing to the accident. Rescue teams remain active, searching for any survivors still trapped underground.
Local residents expressed shock and grief over the tragedy. Oriegene Dokna, a Cameroonian living nearby, described the event as devastating for the community, with families mourning the loss of loved ones.
