The prefect of Koro Department, Honoré Gueu Guié, has urged traditional authorities in the Niokosso sub-prefecture to maintain heightened vigilance against illegal gold mining. He emphasized the administration's commitment to sanctioning any form of complicity or tolerance towards this phenomenon. The prefect made these remarks during a sensitization meeting with village chiefs, land chiefs, religious leaders, and local populations.
The meeting, which took place on September 24, 2026, in Niokosso, was attended by the prefectural corps, departmental directors, and service chiefs. It was part of the follow-up to the resolutions from a consultation meeting presided over by the Minister of Mines on June 26 in Séguéla. The goal was to strengthen the fight against illegal mining in the autonomous district of Woroba.
Honoré Gueu Guié commended the traditional authorities in Koro Department for their role in preventing the establishment of illegal gold mining sites. He encouraged them to remain mobilized and continue collaborating with the administration and defense and security forces to prevent any attempts to install illegal sites.
The prefect highlighted the responsibility of local and customary authorities in preserving the territory, urging them to promptly report any suspicious activities related to clandestine gold exploitation. He warned against complacency towards those involved in these activities, emphasizing that the administration would be firm with any responsible party who failed to exercise vigilance.
The prefect discussed the consequences of illegal gold mining, including environmental degradation, water pollution, destruction of the forest cover, increased school dropouts, and various forms of crime. He encouraged local populations to prioritize legal economic activities and report any attempts to establish clandestine sites in their areas.
Honoré Gueu Guié noted that authorized mining by the state occurs within a regulatory framework that ensures environmental standards are respected, jobs are created, taxes are paid, and development actions are implemented for the benefit of local communities. He invited populations to denounce any attempts to install clandestine sites.
The prefect's call to action underscores the government's efforts to combat illegal gold mining in Côte d'Ivoire. The authorities continue to engage traditional leaders and local populations in the fight against this phenomenon, which poses significant environmental and social risks.
Key points
- The prefect of Koro Department urges traditional authorities to remain vigilant against illegal gold mining.
- The administration reaffirms its commitment to sanctioning complicity or tolerance towards illegal gold mining.
- The consequences of illegal gold mining include environmental degradation and increased crime.
