Central African Republic authorities have accused a leading rebel group of being behind the murder of nine Chinese gold miners last month, despite the group’s denials. Justice Minister Arnaud Djoubaye Abazene revealed that the killers were “indisputably elements from the CPC,” or Coalition of Patriots for Change, based on a final report from an inquiry into the March 19 deaths. The CPC, an alliance of rebel groups formed in December 2020 with the aim of overthrowing President Faustin-Archange Touadera, has denied any involvement in the incident, calling it a “despicable and barbaric” act.
However, the rebels had blamed the Russian paramilitary group Wagner, hired to protect several lucrative gold and diamond mines operated by Russian firms in the country, for the attack. According to the report, the rebels did not provide any evidence to support their claims, nor did the justice minister provide any details from the report accusing the rebels. Journalists were also not allowed to ask questions during the press conference.
The nine miners had been employed by China’s Gold Coast Group at the Chimbolo mine, located 25 kilometres (15 miles) from Bambari, the main town in the Ouaka prefecture. Two Chinese officials deployed by Beijing also appeared at the press conference. China’s President Xi Jinping had issued “important instructions” after the killings, demanding an all-out effort to treat the wounded, handle the aftermath in a timely manner, severely punish perpetrators in accordance with the law, and ensure the safety of Chinese citizens. Two people were seriously wounded in the attack.
The CAR has been in the throes of civil conflict since 2013 when a Muslim-majority rebel coalition, the Seleka, ousted former President Francois Bozize. Militias hold sway over large tracts of territory and often clash over access to minerals and other resources, though Russian and Chinese companies dominate mining for gold and diamonds in the Bambari region. Civilians are often victims of the conflict, with the United Nations and international aid groups accusing all sides of carrying out war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Since their arrival, the Wagner mercenaries have helped push back most of the rebels to their home territories, allowing Central African security forces to retake control of several cities and mining operations. Bangui is also thought to have given Wagner and associated companies contracts to operate several mines. Rebel groups have since adopted guerilla strategies for targeting CAR soldiers and their Russian allies.
The allegations by the Central African Republic authorities against the CPC come amidst rising tensions between rebel groups and Wagner, who were deployed to the country in 2018 and have since increased in numbers. Wagner was hired to protect the gold and diamond mines operated by Russian firms in the country, and their presence has been controversial. The Wagner mercenaries have been accused of committing human rights abuses and of backing up the regime of President Touadera.
The murder of the nine Chinese gold miners has also been a source of concern for Chinese officials, who have been increasing their investments in the African continent. China has become one of the biggest investors in Africa, with trade between China and Africa surpassing $200 billion in 2019. Chinese companies have been investing heavily in infrastructure, mining, and energy projects across the continent, including in the Central African Republic.
In response to the murder, China has called for the Central African Republic to take action against the perpetrators and has sent a team of investigators to the country to look into the incident. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has urged the Central African Republic to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and to take measures to protect their investments in the country.
The murder of the Chinese gold miners is a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict and instability in the Central African Republic. The government has been struggling to maintain control over the country, and the presence
of various rebel groups has made the situation more complicated. The CPC, which has been accused of the miners’ deaths, was formed with the aim of overthrowing President Touadera, and has been involved in several clashes with the government forces.
The conflict has resulted in the displacement of thousands of civilians, and the international community has raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in the country. The United Nations and various aid organizations have accused all sides of carrying out war crimes and crimes against humanity, and called for accountability for those responsible.
The involvement of foreign actors, such as the Russian paramilitary group Wagner, has further complicated the conflict. The Wagner mercenaries were deployed to the CAR in 2018, and their numbers increased in 2020 to fend off an assault on the capital by the CPC. While they have helped push back most of the rebels, they have also been accused of human rights violations and involvement in the illegal exploitation of natural resources.
Chinese companies, which dominate mining operations in the Bambari region, have also been accused of contributing to the conflict by supporting the government forces and ignoring the rights of local communities. The murder of the Chinese miners has once again highlighted the risks faced by workers in the mining industry, and the need for stronger measures to ensure their safety.
The government of the CAR has vowed to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice, and has thanked its Russian allies for their assistance in the matter. However, the lack of transparency and accountability in the country’s justice system has raised concerns about whether those responsible will be held accountable.
