The trial of the alleged diversion of 3 tonnes of gold from the Banque centrale de la République de Guinée (BCRG) began on November 4, 2026, at the Cour de répression des infractions économiques et financières (CRIEF). The case involves the alleged diversion of 3 tonnes and 135 kilograms of gold intended for the Belgian company Affinor. The former governor of the BCRG, Dr. Lounceny Nabé, is at the center of the allegations, which he vehemently denies.
Dr. Lounceny Nabé testified that the 3 tonnes of gold, valued at approximately $200 million, are still in the possession of Affinor. He claimed that there is no truth to the allegations and that he has no personal connection to the company. Nabé also mentioned that there was a legal battle between Guinea and Affinor, which Guinea won, and therefore, there can be no talk of diversion.
The special prosecutor, Biwon Millimono, requested the appearance of several key individuals to shed more light on the case. These include Mamady Condé, representative of Affinor in Guinea, Abdoulaye Yéro Baldé, former deputy governor, and Karamo Kaba, current governor of the BCRG. The defense also requested the testimony of Daouda Diané, director of legal affairs at the central bank, who was involved in drafting the contract at the heart of the case.
After hearing from the different parties, the court ordered the four individuals to appear as witnesses on November 23, 2026. The case has been adjourned to that date. The alleged diversion of the gold is said to have occurred under a contract signed in 2015 between the BCRG and Affinor for the refining and management of part of Guinea's gold reserves.
The current governor of the BCRG, Karamo Kaba, is among those ordered to appear. His role in the case is yet to be determined. Abdoulaye Yéro Baldé, the former deputy governor, and Daouda Diané, the director of legal affairs, are also expected to testify. Their testimonies are crucial in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the alleged diversion of the gold.
The case has significant implications for Guinea's economy and the management of its natural resources. The country's authorities are keen to establish the truth and bring those responsible to justice. The next hearing is set for November 23, 2026, when the court will hear from the witnesses and possibly reach a verdict.
The trial is being closely watched by the public and stakeholders in Guinea. The outcome is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the country's economic governance and the management of its gold reserves. The court's decision will be based on the evidence presented and the testimonies of the witnesses.
Key points
- The trial of the alleged diversion of 3 tonnes of gold from Guinea's central bank has begun.
- Four key individuals have been ordered to appear as witnesses on November 23, 2026.
- The case involves a contract signed in 2015 between the BCRG and Affinor for the refining and management of part of Guinea's gold reserves.
