Cameroonians Caught in Deadly Zamboi Gold Mine Disaster

BUEA, PAV – The Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, René Emmanuel Sadi, has confirmed that some of its nationals are among the victims of a deadly accident at a gold mining site in the Central African Republic, as authorities begin efforts to identify those affected and repatriate the remains of Cameroonian citizens who died.

The accident occurred at about 2 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at a gold mining site in the Central African village of Zamboi, according to a statement issued by the Minister René Emmanuel Sadi. He added that the incident resulted in a massive loss of life and numerous injuries, with Cameroonian nationals among those killed and injured.

Authorities have taken care to distinguish the location of the tragedy from a Cameroonian village that also bears the name Zamboi. According to Minister René Emmanuel Sadi, the two villages are separate localities situated on opposite sides of the border between Cameroon and the Central African Republic.

The Kadéï River marks the international boundary between the two countries at the location. The clarification is intended to prevent confusion over reports identifying Zamboi as the location of the accident, particularly given the existence of communities with the same name on either side of the border.

Following the accident, the Cameroonian government said arrangements have been put in place for the repatriation of the remains of Cameroonian nationals who lost their lives. Local authorities are also preparing to receive injured Cameroonians who may be transferred to Cameroon for treatment.

The cross-border nature of the incident means that officials must coordinate closely to determine the identities and nationalities of those affected and make appropriate arrangements for the victims.

Minister René Emmanuel Sadi has also warned of possible public-order challenges arising from increased movement of people following the tragedy. Officials have been instructed to take measures to prevent any breach of public order arising from movement of people between Cameroon and the Central African Republic. The measures are aimed at ensuring that humanitarian assistance, identification and repatriation efforts can proceed in an orderly manner.

The incident highlights the close links between communities living along the Cameroon-Central African Republic border. The two countries share extensive social and economic ties, with people frequently moving across the border for trade, work and other activities.

The government said relevant services remain mobilised on both sides of the border as efforts continue to manage the aftermath of the Zamboi gold mining accident.

Honourable Joshua Osih, the head of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), in a statement, described the tragedy as a national tragedy, saying the victims were people who had simply sought to earn a living and provide for their families.

He said the disaster should also force the country to confront the poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunities that push many Cameroonians, including young people and graduates, into dangerous informal mining activities.

He extended condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with those still waiting for news of relatives who may have been caught in the landslide. “A country cannot accept that earning a living should become a way of risking one’s life,” Osih said.