On Sunday, armed rebels launched an attack on a Chinese-run gold mining town in Central African Republic, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals. The incident took place in Gaga, a village located approximately 125 miles from the capital city of Bangui.
The Coalition of Patriots for Change, an alliance of rebel groups associated with former President Francois Bozize, claimed responsibility for the attack. Local government spokesperson Maxime Balalu confirmed the assault and expressed concerns that the death toll could potentially rise. Among the casualties were individuals employed at the nearby mine, with several others sustaining injuries during the violent confrontation.
Central African Republic has been plagued by conflict since 2013 when predominantly Muslim rebels seized power, leading to the ousting of President Francois Bozize. The country witnessed clashes between mostly Christian militias and rebel forces, resulting in a protracted period of instability.
Although a peace agreement was reached in 2019, aimed at reducing hostilities, the situation remains precarious. Six out of the 14 armed groups that initially signed the accord later withdrew their support. The Coalition of Patriots for Change emerged in 2020 following the breakdown of the peace deal, further exacerbating the security challenges in the region.
Despite being rich in mineral resources such as gold and diamonds, Central African Republic continues to grapple with extreme poverty. Rebel factions have operated with impunity, hindering foreign mining exploration efforts in the country. Many of the mining operations are overseen by Chinese companies, which have faced persistent security threats.
Notably, a similar attack occurred last year at a different gold mine in Central African Republic, resulting in the deaths of nine Chinese nationals. The government attributed the assault to the same rebel alliance responsible for the recent incident in Gaga. Additionally, in 2020, two Chinese nationals lost their lives during a local uprising against a Chinese-operated mine in Sosso Nakombo.
