The Guinean government has stepped up its efforts to combat illegal gold mining in the Siguiri region, arresting 1,263 people of various nationalities, including Guineans, Burkinabes, Malians, Togolese, Nigeriens, Ivorians, and Ghanaians. The arrests were made following the entry into force of a total ban on informal gold mining in the region on November 2, 2026. The measure aims to curb the anarchic and clandestine exploitation of gold in the area.
The arrests were announced by ministers delegated to National Defense, General Ibrahima Kalil Condé, and to Security and Civil Protection, General Ahmed Mohamed Oury Diallo, in a joint communiqué. They stated that the operations were carried out in accordance with the decision to ban informal gold mining in Siguiri and are being conducted with respect for the laws and regulations in force in the Republic of Guinea.
The ministers assured that the operations will continue with "rigor and professionalism" and that the arrested individuals will be treated with respect for their dignity and rights throughout the judicial process. The arrested persons are currently being questioned by judicial police officers from the National Police and National Gendarmerie, and will be brought before competent courts in accordance with the law.
The Guinean authorities have also taken sanctions against Guinean officials involved in the situation, including the dismissal of 22 territorial administrators, including the interim governor, four prefects, and 17 sub-prefects, by presidential decree. Additionally, 479 district and neighborhood presidents were removed from office by the Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization.
The operations against illegal gold mining are not limited to Siguiri, as they are also being carried out in the prefectures of Mandiana, Kérouané, and Kouroussa, as well as in all localities facing anarchic and illegal gold exploitation. The authorities warned that any person, Guinean or foreign, who exploits the country's resources illegally will be brought to justice and punished with the full rigor of the law.
The ministers recalled that the factual elements collected on the ground had already been communicated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Guineans living abroad, on November 5, 2026, to the heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Guinea. The arrested individuals will be treated in accordance with the law and their rights will be respected throughout the procedure.
The government's crackdown on illegal gold mining in Guinea aims to ensure that the country's resources are exploited in a responsible and sustainable manner. The authorities reaffirmed their determination to ensure that "the law prevails" and that those who engage in illegal activities are held accountable.
Key points
- 1,263 people arrested for illegal gold mining in Guinea's Siguiri region
- Arrests made following total ban on informal gold mining in the region
- Sanctions taken against Guinean officials involved in the situation
