Violent clashes broke out on November 11, 2026, in the town of Balato, located in the Kintinian prefecture of Guinea. According to a provisional report released by the government, the clashes resulted in 10 deaths and 13 injuries. The victims included five foreign nationals whose identities have not been confirmed. The clashes occurred in the Sètiguiyah sector during a joint patrol by defense and security forces tasked with verifying the effective implementation of a joint decree issued on November 2, 2026, banning anarchic and illegal gold panning.
The clashes erupted when protesters erected barricades on public roads, hindering the progress of the joint patrol. The situation escalated into violent confrontations, with gunfire exchanged between protesters and defense and security forces. The regional health authorities of Siguiri reported a provisional toll of 10 deaths, including five foreign nationals whose identities remain unknown, and 13 injuries, including civilians and members of defense and security forces.
The material damage reported by the government included the destruction of two pick-up vehicles and a truck belonging to defense and security forces, as well as two crushing machines. A makeshift bar serving as a liquor depot was also destroyed, and several hangars were vandalized. Additionally, one war weapon and one motorcycle were taken by the protesters. The government expressed its condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
The government strongly condemned the violence and the erection of barricades on public roads, which hindered the execution of a public service mission. The government reaffirmed its determination to restore public order, protect people and property, ensure free circulation, and pursue the implementation of measures banning anarchic and illegal gold panning across the national territory. The Public Prosecutor near the Court of Appeal of Kankan and the Prosecutor of the Republic near the Tribunal of First Instance of Siguiri were informed and tasked with investigating the circumstances of the events.
The government called for calm and restraint, urging anyone in possession of the stolen weapon and motorcycle to return them to the nearest authorities. The population was invited to collaborate with competent services and refrain from spreading unverified information. The situation remains under control, with the government working to establish a thorough account of the events and ensure accountability.
According to the government, the joint patrol was aimed at enforcing the ban on anarchic and illegal gold panning, which has been a major concern in the region. The decree issued on November 2, 2026, aimed to regulate the artisanal mining sector and prevent the associated environmental and social risks. The clashes highlighted the challenges faced by the Guinean authorities in enforcing the law and maintaining order in the region.
The Guinean government has promised to take all necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and to ensure that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice. An investigation into the circumstances of the clashes is ongoing, and the government has assured that it will take a firm stance against any form of violence or lawlessness. The situation in Kintinian remains under close monitoring, with the government working to restore stability and promote development in the region.
Key points
- 10 people were killed and 13 injured in the clashes in Guinea's Kintinian region.
