In a series of operations conducted on September 26-27, 2026, agents from the Burkinabé water and forestry services intercepted a truck carrying 35 tons of shea nut kernels on the Djikologo-Dissine axis. The shipment lacked the necessary legal documents to establish its origin or destination, prompting the authorities to seize the goods in accordance with regulations. The water and forestry services also confiscated 40 cartons of counterfeit beverages being transported on a tricycle, which were destined for illicit sale.
The operations, which aimed to protect natural resources and preserve the environment, led to the dismantling of an illegal gold mining site in the commune of Zambo. The site, operated clandestinely, was discovered through collaboration between the water and forestry services and local authorities. The agents dispersed the unauthorized miners and seized a significant quantity of equipment, including 52 motor pumps, three generators, 23 gas cylinders, 13 motorcycles, two tricycles, three gold detectors, two solar panels, and 959 liters of diesel fuel.
The equipment seized from the illegal gold mining site also included 80 liters of gasoline, 20 Android phones, three classic phones, 30 external batteries, and various other tools used in clandestine mining operations. According to the water and forestry services, these actions are part of a broader effort to enforce legislation and protect the country's natural heritage. The Director-General of the water and forestry services commended the agents involved in the operations and encouraged them to continue their work.
The Director-General also urged the public to collaborate with the authorities by reporting any illicit activities that could harm the country's natural resources. The seized shea nut kernels and counterfeit beverages will be handled in accordance with regulatory procedures. The water and forestry services emphasized that their actions are aimed at preserving the environment and ensuring compliance with the law.
The operations in Djikologo and Zambo demonstrate the Burkinabé government's commitment to enforcing regulations and protecting the country's natural resources. The seizures and dismantling of the illegal gold mining site are part of a broader effort to combat illicit activities and promote sustainable development. The authorities have not disclosed the estimated value of the seized goods or the number of people involved in the illegal activities.
The region where the operations took place has been prone to environmental degradation and illicit activities, including gold mining and smuggling. The Burkinabé government has been working to strengthen its environmental and natural resource management policies, including measures to combat illegal mining and promote sustainable land use. The water and forestry services play a crucial role in enforcing these policies and protecting the country's natural heritage.
The success of the operations in Djikologo and Zambo highlights the importance of collaboration between the authorities and local communities in combating illicit activities and promoting sustainable development. The Burkinabé government is expected to continue its efforts to enforce regulations and protect the country's natural resources, with the support of local communities and international partners.
Key points
- The Burkinabé authorities seized 35 tons of smuggled shea nut kernels and dismantled an illegal gold mining site in Djikologo, a town in the country's Djôrô region.
