Guinean President Alpha Condé has addressed the populations of Siguiri, expressing his deep consternation and solidarity with the victims of recent tragic events. The president condemned the brutal repression of artisanal miners, who have been protesting for their right to live dignified lives on their own land. He expressed his compassion and support for the affected families, injured persons, and those whose economic activities have been disrupted.
President Condé emphasized that artisanal gold mining has been an integral part of Siguiri's history for generations, providing a means of livelihood for thousands of families. He argued that it would be unjust to consider these populations as foreigners on their own land or to hold them solely responsible for the difficulties faced by the mining sector. The president stressed that regulating the exploitation of natural resources, protecting the environment, and combating illegal activities are legitimate objectives, but they must be pursued while respecting the populations, their rights, and their dignity.
The president raised concerns about the expansion of mechanized gold mining in Siguiri and Mandiana, which has led to serious questions about the allocation of authorizations, environmental protection, and the interests of local communities. He mentioned that accusations of impropriety have been made against private foreign interests and individuals close to President Mamadi Doumbouya, emphasizing the need for independent investigations to establish the facts and determine responsibilities.
President Condé stressed that the Guinean people have the right to know who is exploiting their resources, under what conditions, and for whose benefit. He emphasized that the wealth of the country should contribute to improving the living conditions of its citizens, particularly in Siguiri, where the gold mining activities should support the development of schools, health centers, roads, and job creation for young people.
The president criticized the tendency to designate artisanal miners from neighboring countries as scapegoats while ignoring the responsibilities associated with the expansion of mechanized mining. He emphasized the need for a fair and equitable approach, citing the example of Guinean citizens who engage in artisanal mining in other West African countries. President Condé called for the preservation of African fraternity and the respect of human rights, stressing that pan-Africanism is a historical responsibility and a commitment to African peoples.
President Condé reiterated that the state has a duty to regulate mining activities, protect the environment, and combat illegal activities, but this should not be done at the expense of the populations. He emphasized that regulating does not mean excluding, protecting the environment does not mean dispossessing, and enforcing the law does not mean authorizing violence. The president called for an end to the repression and the initiation of independent investigations into the events that have led to deaths, injuries, and destruction of property.
In conclusion, President Condé expressed his support for the populations of Siguiri, emphasizing that their dignity is not negotiable and that their rights must be respected. He called for the gold of Siguiri to be a source of wealth and development, rather than a curse, and reiterated the importance of African fraternity and solidarity. The president's message was one of hope and commitment to a Guinea that is just, sovereign, democratic, and respectful of its citizens.
Key points
- President Alpha Condé expressed solidarity with Siguiri populations and condemned the brutal repression of artisanal miners.
- The president emphasized the need for a fair and equitable approach to mining activities, citing the example of Guinean citizens who engage in artisanal mining in other West African countries.
- President Condé called for independent investigations into the events that have led to deaths, injuries, and destruction of property in Siguiri.
