The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the UAE expresses solidarity with the Central African Republic after the mine collapse. It conveyed sincere condolences to the families of the victims as well as to the government and the people of the country. The statement was distributed on August 20, one day after the incident occurred. This marks the latest instance of the UAE offering support to an African partner in the wake of a major accident.
The collapse occurred at a gold mine in the Zamboye area of the Central African Republic. Al Jazeera reported that relief volunteers recovered 100 bodies with miners remaining missing and trapped under rubble. A relief volunteer told AFP, “As I speak to you, other people are still buried. Rescue attempts are under way.” He indicated that the rescue work was ongoing despite the challenges at the site.
Government spokesman Evariste Ngamana expressed sympathy for the families of the victims. Ngamana said authorities are working hard to provide relief and assistance to those affected. The official’s comments came as emergency teams continued their search for survivors.
The Central African Republic has seen a number of mining-related incidents over the years due to the prevalence of artisanal extraction methods. These operations often take place in remote locations with limited access to modern safety equipment or expertise. International coverage has documented the elevated risks faced by workers in such environments across the region. Similar deadly events have drawn attention to the hazards inherent in unregulated gold mining activities.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued comparable statements following disasters in countries including Sudan, Venezuela and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Records from the ministry’s media hub show these gestures form part of diplomatic engagement with African nations. The latest expression of support arrived swiftly after news of the Zamboye collapse spread.
