China probes Nigerian miners’ alleged abandonment in CAR

China has expressed regrets at the viral online video of Nigerian miners allegedly abandoned by a Chinese mining enterprise in the Central African Republic. Stating that it attaches great importance to this matter, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria said it “has initiated an immediate investigation, which continues to ascertain the facts.” The embassy clarified in a statement on Friday that “the Chinese government consistently mandates that all Chinese enterprises and citizens operating abroad strictly comply with local laws and regulations, ensuring all business operations fully adhere to local legal frameworks.” It urged the companies involved to “address this matter appropriately, maintain close communication with Nigerian authorities throughout the investigation, and work together to safeguard the lawful rights and interests of citizens of both nations.” The six Nigerian miners had sent out a save-our-souls video, stating that their situation worsened after they were arrested by the Central African government and detained for a period. They alleged that on their release, the Chinese firm that took them on the job expedition, Rado Central Coal Mining Company, transported them deep into the bush, approximately 850 kilometres from the capital city, Bangui, and away from civilisation, where it abandoned them for months with neither salaries nor provisions. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Government said on Friday that it was making arrangements to repatriated to citizens. Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the affected individuals would arrive in Bangui on Saturday for onward return to Nigeria. They gave their exact location as Senye, in the Bambari region.

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Tony Nwachukwu

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