Chad: Clashes involving artisanal gold miners leave at least 100 dead in Kouri Bougoudi, May 23-24 /update 1

Event

Officials announced May 30 that clashes at a mining site in the northern Kouri Bougoudi area, close to the Libyan border, May 23-24 left at least 100 people dead and 40 others injured. The death toll may be higher. According to authorities, an argument broke out between two gold miners in the area and degenerated into fighting between rival groups. Officials stated the violence was communal in nature and occurred between members of the Tama community from eastern Chad and Libyan nationals. Unofficial reports suggest that armed groups from Libya aggravated the violence. The government has dispatched representatives to the area to restore calm and assess the situation while prohibiting all forms of gold mining activities. Security forces have arrested 20 individuals.

Heightened security is likely in the area over the coming days. Officials in Libya may also increase security in towns bordering Chad. Officials could impose movement restrictive measures, such as curfews, to contain the violence. Further violence may also occur

Advice

Avoid the impacted area until the situation stabilizes. Heed the directives of local officials. Coordinate travel with a trusted local contact. Avoid travel at night. Avoid large gatherings.