CAR mine collapse: Dozens killed at rebel-held gold mine Published duration 23 August 2014

image copyright Reuters image caption Seleka rebels are operating the Ndassima gold mine illegally

At least 25 people have died in a gold mine collapse in the Central African Republic, officials say.

The mine, near the city of Bambari, is controlled by mainly Muslim Seleka rebels who are operating it illegally.

A senior government official in the capital, Bangui, said the mine did not follow regulations.

The CAR has been torn by fighting between the Seleka and Christian militia, known as anti-Balaka, for over a year.

Thousands of people began exploiting the mine illegally after its owner, Canada's Axmin, shut it down in 2012 because of security concerns.

An estimated 20% of inhabitants have fled their homes in the conflict which began as Seleka rebels seized power in March 2013.

This gave rise to the creation of largely Christian anti-Balaka militias and the situation descended into ethno-religious violence.

The Seleka leader, Michel Djotodia, stood down as president in January as part of regional efforts to end the fighting.

CAR's religious make-up