The Malian authorities have mobilized their services to provide assistance to over 40,000 Burkinabe nationals expelled from gold mining sites in Guinea and arrived in Kouremalé, in the rural commune of Benkadi. A meeting was held to evaluate the situation, chaired by Abdourahmane Soumaguel Maïga, the sub-prefect of the Naréna arrondissement, representing the prefect of the Kangaba circle. The meeting brought together local officials, security personnel, and representatives of various services.
The expulsions were a result of operations carried out by Guinean special forces on gold mining sites in Siguiri, which led to the mass departure of miners, mainly Malians and Burkinabes. The operations, marked by gunfire and forced expulsions, resulted in a large influx of people into Kouremalé. According to Mamby Keïta, the mayor of Benkadi, the situation prompted a mission from the Burkinabe embassy in Mali to assess the conditions of the expelled nationals.
The Burkinabe delegation, led by Ramdé Antoine, the first counselor of the embassy, reported a concerning humanitarian situation. The Kouremalé Community Health Center (CSCOM) was treating over a hundred patients, including some injured by gunfire. The center's responsible reported four deaths, while Ramdé Antoine stated that nine people had died. The Malian authorities provided financial assistance to support the care of the numerous patients.
The Malian authorities were praised for their total and unconditional assistance to the expelled Burkinabes. Ramdé Antoine particularly commended Djakalia Diarra, the divisional commissioner of Kouremalé, and the local security forces for their efforts in regrouping the expelled miners and organizing their evacuation. He also requested support from the Malian authorities to facilitate the transportation of the nationals back to their country.
Several hundred people had already left Kouremalé to join other communes in the Kangaba circle. The representative of the prefect invited local populations to provide a warm welcome to the Burkinabe nationals, who are citizens of a member country of the Sahel States Confederation (AES). The situation remains a concern for local authorities, who are working to ensure the safe return of the expelled miners.
The assistance provided by the Malian authorities includes logistical support and financial aid to help the expelled miners. The local administration, security forces, and health services have been working together to provide emergency assistance to those in need. The Burkinabe embassy in Mali has also been actively involved in coordinating the response efforts.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by migrants and gold miners in the region. The situation is being closely monitored by local and national authorities, who are working to prevent similar incidents in the future. The cooperation between Malian and Burkinabe authorities has been essential in addressing the crisis and providing support to those affected.
Key points
- Over 40,000 Burkinabe gold miners were expelled from Guinea and received assistance from Malian authorities.
- The Malian authorities provided financial assistance and logistical support to help the expelled miners.
- The situation highlights the challenges faced by migrants and gold miners in the region.
