The government of Guinea has launched a crackdown on illegal gold mining in the Siguiri region, leading to the expulsion of Burkinabe miners. The move aims to promote industrial and semi-industrial mining, which will supply the country's first gold refinery, Nimba Gold Refinery. The refinery, inaugurated on November 1, has an annual refining capacity of 733 tonnes. The government cites environmental concerns, including the destruction of arable land and water courses, as a reason for the crackdown.
The Siguiri region is home to many artisanal gold miners, mostly from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea. The Guinean government wants to take control of gold production and ensure its traceability. On November 3, 22 territorial administrators, including the interim governor of Siguiri, were dismissed for allegedly facilitating illegal mining. The government also removed 479 district and neighborhood chiefs from their positions. The move has led to a mass exodus of Burkinabe miners, with many leaving for Mali.
According to a source in Siguiri, the Burkinabe miners are numerous in the Haute-Guinée region, and their departure may take several days or weeks. The Burkinabe government has sent officials to Bamako to organize the return of its citizens. A hundred buses were dispatched to transport the miners back to Burkina Faso, with the first departures on November 5. The Burkinabe minister of security, Mahamadou Sana, expressed regret over the treatment of his country's citizens, reporting injuries and cruel treatment.
However, sources in Siguiri report that the departure of Burkinabe miners is taking place without violence. Some Burkinabe miners have been victims of scams, including the setting up of clandestine roadblocks and overcharging for transportation. The Burkinabe government had not been informed in advance of the Guinean government's decision to expel the miners, Sana said, adding that this lack of communication could have helped to organize a more dignified return.
Dieudonné Francis, president of the Burkinabe community in Kankan, has called on his compatriots to remain calm and respect the laws of the host country. He urged those who wish to return to Burkina Faso to do so with dignity and security, while those who choose to stay in Guinea should continue their activities in accordance with local laws and maintain good relations with the Guinean population.
The Guinean government's decision to expel Burkinabe miners has sparked a diplomatic response from Burkina Faso. The two countries are members of the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES). The incident highlights the complex relationships between West African countries and the challenges of managing natural resources in the region.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Guinean government remains committed to its environmental and industrial goals. The country's authorities are determined to promote sustainable mining practices and ensure that the gold sector contributes to the country's economic development. The expulsion of Burkinabe miners marks a significant step towards achieving these objectives.
Key points
- The Guinean government aims to promote industrial and semi-industrial mining to supply its first gold refinery.
- The crackdown on illegal mining is driven by environmental concerns, including the destruction of arable land and water courses.
- The expulsion of Burkinabe miners has sparked a diplomatic response from Burkina Faso, with both countries seeking to manage the situation and maintain good relations.
