Guinea's Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization Djénabou Touré, accompanied by her counterparts from Agriculture, Mines, and Geology, visited Siguiri on November 9, 2026, to oversee the implementation of a government decision to ban illegal gold mining in the region. The mission aims to address the administrative dysfunctions that enabled the persistence of this practice and explore alternative livelihoods for affected communities.
Minister Touré emphasized that the government's decision to ban illegal gold mining marks a turning point in managing artisanal mining activities in the region. She stressed that the mission goes beyond enforcing the ban, as it also seeks to remind local authorities of their roles and responsibilities and find concrete solutions to support affected communities.
During her intervention, Minister Touré pointed out that all administrative authorities are responsible for the environmental damage caused by illegal gold mining in Siguiri. She stated that negligence and failure to perform their duties according to the law led to the current situation. The minister also clarified the roles of different administrative sections, emphasizing that district councils should not handle fiscal matters or claim authority beyond their mandate.
Minister Touré acknowledged that her mission is not intended to blame individuals but to ensure that the administration respects the rules and prevent similar situations in the future. She noted that former administrative and communal officials have already been sanctioned, with some facing judicial scrutiny. The minister aims to establish an administration that adheres to regulations and prevents Siguiri from relapsing into such situations.
Another significant aspect of the government's mission is addressing the economic future of communities that rely heavily on artisanal mining activities. The closure of clandestine mining sites raises concerns about youth employment and income-generating activities for women. Minister Touré announced that the government plans to accompany the ban with initiatives that offer alternative perspectives to affected communities.
The minister, along with her counterparts, will engage in a reflection to identify concrete actions to be taken in Siguiri, ensuring that young people and women have viable alternatives to mining. This approach aims to provide sustainable solutions to the region's economic challenges while protecting the environment from the negative impacts of illegal gold mining.
The government's efforts to address the issue of illegal gold mining in Siguiri demonstrate its commitment to responsible management of natural resources and environmental protection. The outcome of this mission will likely have significant implications for the region, and the minister's statements suggest a determination to find lasting solutions that balance economic development with environmental sustainability.
Key points
- The Guinea government has banned illegal gold mining in the Siguiri region.
- Minister Djénabou Touré holds local authorities accountable for their role in allowing the practice to persist.
- The government aims to provide alternative livelihoods for communities affected by the ban on illegal gold mining.
