The interrogation of 22 territorial administrators accused of involvement in the alleged illegal gold mining in Siguiri and its surroundings has concluded. The administrators, who appeared before the Court of Repression of Economic and Financial Infractions (CRIEF), denied any involvement in the persistence of clandestine mining in their respective jurisdictions. None of the administrators were formally identified by the arrested miners.
Sory Camara, former prefect of Siguirini, attributed the environmental degradation to the activities of mining companies legally operating in the area, particularly the Société Minière de Dinguiraye (SMD). Camara stated that Siguirini is an agro-pastoral locality and that the SMD dominates most of the pastoral zone. He claimed to have patrolled the 22 districts, including at night, without observing any clandestine gold mining activities.
Other administrators, including Pépé Doualamou, sub-prefect of Bankon, and Lansana Abdoulaye Kourouma, sub-prefect of Didi, denied any involvement in or knowledge of clandestine mining activities in their areas. Doualamou stated that he had set up support posts to monitor sensitive zones upon taking office, while Kourouma mentioned a prefect's letter reminding him of the ban on gold mining.
Some administrators provided information about their assets, with Sory Camara declaring a parcel acquired in 2016 and a motorcycle, in addition to his command vehicle. Pépé Doualamou mentioned owning a concession in Kagbelen since 2020. The administrators' testimonies were part of the court's proceedings to determine their involvement in the alleged illegal mining activities.
The court's proceedings also addressed the duration of stay of foreign miners in Guinea. Three Togolese nationals claimed to have arrived in the country only two weeks before their arrest, while several other defendants made similar statements. The prosecutor special, Alphonse Charles Wright, requested permission to project a video in court, which the defense lawyers opposed.
The defense lawyers, led by Me Sidiki Bereté, requested a postponement until Monday to prepare their response to the prosecutor's request and ensure contradictory debates. The prosecutor special rejected the request, stating that he only wanted to continue the debates with the video projection. The judge eventually adjourned the case to November 16, 2026, for further proceedings.
The case involves 202 people arrested for alleged clandestine gold mining in Siguiri and its surroundings. The defendants, including the territorial administrators, were questioned about their involvement in the mining activities. The court's decision will determine the fate of the accused and the future of mining activities in the region.
Key points
- Sory Camara blames SMD for environmental degradation in Siguirini.
- Territorial administrators deny involvement in clandestine mining activities.
- Court proceedings continue on November 16, 2026.
