Clashes in Siguiri leave several people dead
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on RFI, Seneweb, Mosaiqueguinee and SeneNews
At least 10 people died on Wednesday 11 November in Bouré-Balato, in the Siguiri region, during clashes between gold miners and defence and security forces, according to RFI. The Guinean government also reported 13 injured and significant material damage after an operation to enforce the ban on illegal gold mining.
The Guinean government confirmed a provisional death toll of 10, including five foreign nationals whose identities have yet to be established, and 13 injured, including members of the security forces. The clashes broke out during a joint patrol after protesters erected barricades, according to the authorities' statement.
Unregulated and illegal gold mining had been completely banned on 2 November in this important gold-producing region, where the army has been deployed. The measure led to tens of thousands of West Africans who had come to work in the region’s mines being turned away and caused an influx of people into Mali.
The clashes involved exchanges of gunfire, the burning and stoning of military vehicles, and damage to businesses. The Forum of Social Forces of Guinea reported about 10 deaths and several people wounded by live ammunition, while witnesses said they had seen defence and security forces fire on protesters.
The government referred the matter to the public prosecutor at the Kankan Court of Appeal and the public prosecutor in Siguiri to establish the circumstances of the events. In Bouré-Balato, security forces remained deployed in large numbers on Thursday, shops remained closed and some residents took refuge in neighbouring villages.
