The ban on artisanal gold mining in Guinea has sparked comments and debate. Journalist Thierno Amadou Camara, also known as M'Bonet, recently appeared on BBC Africa Radio's "Débat BBC Afrique" to provide insight into the government's decision. He emphasized that the ban was not a sudden or brutal move, but rather a result of a process that aimed to regulate the mining activity. According to M'Bonet, the government had been working to address the issue for some time.
M'Bonet sought to correct misinformation surrounding the ban, stating that it was not solely targeted at Burkinabé nationals, but rather at the anarchic exploitation of gold, which involved individuals from various West African countries. He mentioned that among the 1,300 people apprehended and being tried, not all were Burkinabé. The journalist also highlighted that the government had taken a lenient approach initially, attempting to regulate the activity rather than imposing an outright ban.
The artisanal gold mining activity, particularly in Siguiri, had caused significant problems, including the non-respect of mining permits granted to certain companies and the degradation of the environment. M'Bonet pointed out that the government's decision was not taken lightly, and that there had been a process of sensitization and consultation with stakeholders. He noted that the current and former ministers of Mines, as well as other officials, had conducted missions to the region to raise awareness about the need for regulation.
M'Bonet addressed concerns about the government's communication strategy, stating that there had been efforts to sensitize actors directly involved in the mining activity. He mentioned that the authorities had been aware of the situation for years and had taken steps to address it. The journalist also emphasized that the ban was not only targeted at artisanal miners but also at authorities who had been involved in the illegal activity.
According to M'Bonet, the government's decision was courageous and necessary to protect the environment. He argued that Guinea should not be criticized for taking action to regulate the mining activity, especially when other countries were not taking similar steps. The journalist also highlighted that the ban was not only focused on artisanal miners but also on administrative officials who had been involved in the illegal activity.
M'Bonet emphasized that the government's decision was not taken in isolation, but rather as part of a broader effort to address the issue of artisanal gold mining. He noted that there had been concertation with stakeholders and that the government had taken a firm stance against those involved in the illegal activity. The journalist also mentioned that 22 administrative officials, including former governors, prefects, and sub-prefects, were currently being tried for their involvement.
Thierno Amadou Camara, also known as M'Bonet, is a journalist and founder of Guinee114.com and radio Ouest Fm. He has recently created the FEMI (Fondation pour l'Education aux Médias et à l'Information), a foundation dedicated to combating the spread of false information and manipulation of information. Through his work, M'Bonet aims to promote media education and information in Guinea.
Key points
- The Guinean government's ban on artisanal gold mining was not a sudden or brutal move, but rather a result of a process that aimed to regulate the mining activity.
