On November 11, Colonel Fayimba Mara, the former interim governor of Siguiri, appeared before the Chamber of Judgment of the Court for the Repression of Economic and Financial Offenses (Crief). He pleaded not guilty to charges of facilitating illegal gold mining, artisanal and semi-artisanal gold exploitation, environmental degradation, and destruction of arable land, water resources, and wildlife in the Siguiri region.
Colonel Mara is one of 22 former territorial administrators, including prefects and sub-prefects, who have been charged in connection with the alleged crimes. According to the Guinean State, they are accused of allowing the destruction of the environment and the exploitation of natural resources. The accused explained that there is a service in the region responsible for environmental protection and claimed to have taken steps to address the issue.
However, Colonel Mara stated that he and his team were unable to carry out their plans to visit the sites. He claimed that equipment used by artisanal miners had been seized and handed over to the justice system. Mara also alleged that the destruction of Siguiri did not occur during his tenure, but rather before his arrival on October 18.
The former governor said he was not aware of the presence of foreign nationals in the gold mines and that his team did not inform him of this when they assessed the situation upon his arrival. Mara claimed to have discovered the presence of foreign miners a month after taking office.
During the hearing, Colonel Mara provided information about his assets, stating that he has a monthly salary of 27 million Guinean francs with no additional benefits. He also disclosed ownership of a house in Kissidougou, where his family has lived since 2008, and two plots of land acquired in 2010.
The case against Colonel Mara and other former administrators highlights the issue of illegal mining and environmental degradation in Guinea. The court's decision will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for addressing these problems in the region.
The case has raised concerns about the involvement of foreign nationals in Guinea's mining sector and the impact on the environment. As the trial continues, it is expected that more information will come to light about the extent of the alleged crimes and the role of those involved.
Key points
- The case against Colonel Fayimba Mara and other former administrators highlights the issue of illegal mining and environmental degradation in Guinea.
- Colonel Mara has pleaded not guilty to charges of facilitating illegal gold mining and environmental degradation.
- The court's decision may set a precedent for addressing these problems in the region.
