Violence broke out after authorities restricted small-scale mining, with local reports pointing to tensions between security forces and miners.
CONAKRY: Guinea, At least 10 people were killed and 13 others injured in clashes between protesters and security forces in northeastern Guinea following a government ban on small-scale gold mining, the country’s Ministry of Territorial Administration said.
The violence occurred on Wednesday in Balato, in the Siguiri region, where security forces were checking whether miners were following the new restrictions.
According to a government statement, protesters blocked roads with barricades, leading to a confrontation and exchanges of gunfire. Officials did not say who fired first.
The ministry said five foreign nationals were among those killed. Their identities and nationalities have not yet been confirmed.
Authorities said the injured included civilians and members of the security forces. Judicial officials have been instructed to investigate the incident and establish responsibility.
Guinea introduced the mining ban on November 2, citing environmental damage caused by unregulated mining activities. Officials said mining operations had contributed to pollution of rivers, damage to farmland and destruction of vegetation.
The restrictions have also affected thousands of foreign miners and their families. Neighbouring Mali reported an increase in arrivals from Guinea following the announcement.
Artisanal gold mining provides livelihoods for hundreds of thousands of people in Guinea, making the restrictions an important economic issue for local communities.
The government has defended the crackdown as necessary to protect the environment, while investigations into the deadly clashes continue.
