Discovering the Dangerous World of Artisanal Mining in Central African Republic
When Sadock sought refuge in the town of Koki in the northwest Central African Republic (CAR) in 2022, he believed he found safety as an artisanal miner. However, the arrival of Russia’s Wagner Group changed everything. The paramilitaries began seizing control of gold mines, displacing locals and causing violence.
Sadock had already experienced displacement from Ndassima and Aigbado due to similar conflicts involving the extraction of natural resources by foreign forces. These attacks have led to the deaths of many artisanal miners and the destruction of communities.
Despite the dangers, Sadock and fellow miners moved to Koki, only to face a brutal attack by Russian paramilitaries. The violence has continued, with disappearances plaguing the mining communities, leaving survivors in fear and uncertainty.
As the conflict in CAR escalates, artisanal miners like Sadock are forced to confront the perilous reality of their work. The exploitation of natural resources by foreign entities has brought devastation to local communities, leaving a trail of loss and trauma in its wake.