Nigeria, China in diplomatic talks over viral video alleging abuse of Nigerian miners in the Central African Republic (CAR)

A video that recently surfaced online, allegedly showing Nigerian miners stranded in the Central African Republic (CAR), has triggered a diplomatic response from both Nigeria and China. The footage, though not independently verified, has led to public concern and official investigations after individuals in the video claimed they had been trafficked and left behind by a Chinese-owned mining company, Denaco Erado Mining.

According to those in the video, they were taken to a remote mining site in Bambari, CAR, where they worked for nearly a year without pay, lived without access to food or shelter, and had their passports seized. The claims have prompted Nigerian authorities to coordinate with their embassy in Bangui to arrange for the group’s evacuation and return. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that contact had been made with the individuals and that a military transport had been sent to bring them to the capital.