In a recent tribune published on Mediaguinee, Amadou Tidiane Bah emphasized Guinea's right to protect its lands, waters, and natural heritage. He highlighted the concerns of local farmers who have seen their agricultural lands destroyed by clandestine miners using hazardous chemicals. The situation has sparked a debate about the balance between economic activities and environmental protection. Bah stressed that Guinea is not against Burkinabé nationals, but rather against illegal mining practices that threaten the country's resources.
The controversy surrounding mining activities in Guinea has led to a joint communiqué from the government, issued on November 2, 2026. The statement clarified that the measures taken are aimed at addressing the destruction of agricultural lands, pollution of waterways, and the use of hazardous chemicals in mining. The government emphasized that these actions are not targeted at any specific nationality, but rather at illegal mining practices. The communiqué noted that the measures concern the destruction of lands, pollution, and exploitation, regardless of the perpetrators' nationality.
Amadou Tidiane Bah argued that the problem lies not with the nationality of the miners, but with the clandestine nature of their activities and the environmental damage they cause. He expressed concern that some are presenting the government's actions as a persecution of Burkinabé nationals. Bah emphasized that the goal is to protect the environment and ensure sustainable development. The government's efforts to regulate and normalize mining activities are seen as a step towards addressing these concerns.
The mining activities in question have been linked to the use of mercury, cyanure, and other hazardous chemicals, which pose a significant risk to the environment and human health. The pollution of waterways, including the Niger River, Tinkisso, and their affluents, has also been a major concern. The government's actions aim to mitigate these risks and ensure that mining activities are carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Bah noted that Guinea is an open country that welcomes people from all over the world. He emphasized that nationals from Burkina Faso and other countries who have established themselves in Guinea with legitimate activities have nothing to fear. However, he stressed that there are limits to this openness and that the government must take measures to protect the country's resources.
The government's efforts to regulate mining activities have been ongoing, with a focus on addressing the environmental and social impacts of these activities. The normalization and regularization of mining, particularly clandestine mining, are key aspects of this effort. The goal is to ensure that mining activities contribute to the country's economic development while minimizing harm to the environment and local communities.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding mining in Guinea highlights the need for a balanced approach to economic development and environmental protection. The government's actions aim to ensure that the country's natural resources are protected for future generations while also promoting sustainable economic activities. The situation will continue to be monitored as the government works to implement its measures and engage with stakeholders.
Key points
- The Guinea government asserts its right to protect its natural resources and environment amidst controversy over mining activities.
- The measures taken are aimed at addressing illegal mining practices, environmental damage, and the use of hazardous chemicals.
- The government emphasizes that its actions are not targeted at any specific nationality, but rather at promoting sustainable development.
