At least 10 people were killed in an ambush near a diamond mine in the Central African Republic (CAR), authorities confirmed on Monday. The attack, which occurred in the volatile eastern region of the country, is believed to have been carried out by armed groups operating in the area.
Local sources indicate that the victims were miners and workers associated with the diamond mine, though their identities have not yet been disclosed. The assailants reportedly ambushed a convoy traveling to the mine, opening fire on the vehicles before fleeing the scene. Several others were injured in the attack, though exact numbers have not been confirmed.
The region where the ambush took place has long been a hotspot for violence, with armed groups competing for control over the country’s rich natural resources, including diamonds, gold, and timber. Despite peace agreements and international efforts to stabilize the country, CAR remains plagued by instability and armed conflict, particularly in the east and north.
This latest attack highlights the continuing risks faced by civilians and workers in CAR’s mining areas, where lawlessness and criminal activity are rampant. Armed groups, often with ties to local militias or rebel factions, frequently target mines and supply chains for their resources, fueling both the conflict and the country’s fragile economy.
The CAR government has condemned the attack, promising to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice. International organizations, including the United Nations, have called for increased security in resource-rich areas to protect both local populations and the workers involved in the mining industry.
The situation in the Central African Republic remains dire, with tens of thousands of people displaced due to violence, and the country struggling to achieve lasting peace and stability.
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