Burkina Faso Gold Mine Explosion Kills 63

    Image copyright: Reuters [via CBS]

    The Facts

    • At least 63 have died after an explosion in a gold mine in Burkina Faso.

    • A further 100 were injured in the village of Gbomblora.


    The Spin

    Pro-establishment narrative

    Authorities and local hospital sites have worked hard to secure and evacuate the explosion site and treat victims. Despite a ban on illegal gold mining these, kinds of informal operations continue to attract investors. One person has been detained.

    Establishment-critical narrative

    ISIS-affiliated groups are preying on underdevelopment across Africa, including Burkina Faso, catalyzing conflicts and crises like this. The nations of Sub-Saharan Africa must rise up together to fight instability, extremism, and poverty. Foreign powers and unscrupulous gold buyers are of no help and only make matters worse.


    Establishment split

    CRITICAL

    PRO