Almost 300 Burkinabè nationals who were engaged in artisanal gold mining in Kérouané, Guinea, have gathered at the residence of their community representative in Kankan, seeking assistance to return to Burkina Faso. The halt in their economic activities has left them without a means of livelihood, prompting them to seek help from local authorities. The group includes women and children under the age of 15.
The Burkinabè nationals have been arriving in Kankan over several days, with many expressing gratitude to the administrative authorities of Kérouané for facilitating their safe transportation to Kankan. Alain Ouédraogo, one of the nationals, stated that they had been working in Kérouané for several years and were forced to leave after the Guinean authorities banned artisanal gold mining. He appealed to the authorities to provide them with assistance to return to Burkina Faso.
The representative of the Burkinabè community in Kankan, Tiendrebeogo Dieudonné Francis, is working to organize the departure of his compatriots. He reported that they are facing several challenges, including mobilizing financial resources, organizing transportation, and providing assistance to those in need. The community representative expressed appreciation for the support received from local authorities and the Guinean population.
Francis highlighted the efforts made by the community and local authorities to ensure the safe return of the Burkinabè nationals. He noted that some individuals had already made financial arrangements for their transportation, while others were receiving assistance from the community. The representative also acknowledged the solidarity shown by the local population, who have been providing food, water, and other forms of support.
The Guinean authorities have been conducting operations to halt illegal gold exploitation in several regions, including Siguiri, Mandiana, Kérouané, and Kouroussa. These operations aim to address the issue of artisanal gold mining, which has been a source of livelihood for many individuals, including those from Burkina Faso. The situation has prompted a significant number of Burkinabè nationals to return to their home country.
As the Burkinabè nationals prepare to return home, they are reflecting on their experiences in Guinea. After several years of living and working in Guinea, they are set to reunite with their families and restart their lives in Burkina Faso. The community representative has urged his compatriots to maintain peaceful relations with the Guinean population and respect the laws and regulations of the host country.
The situation highlights the complexities of cross-border migration and the challenges faced by individuals engaged in informal economic activities. The Guinean authorities' efforts to regulate artisanal gold mining have had a significant impact on the lives of many Burkinabè nationals, who are now returning to their home country.
Key points
- The Guinean authorities have been working to halt illegal gold exploitation in several regions, including Siguiri, Mandiana, Kérouané, and Kouroussa.
