Gold project near Kafiné reignites tensions over water
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Aip
Niakara prefect Benoît Brou Kouadio is calling for tensions to be eased over a gold-mining project near Kafiné, where residents fear consequences for water resources. He announced a week of awareness-raising before possible sanctions against those suspected of vandalism and illegal gold panning, according to AIP.
Niakara prefect Benoît Brou Kouadio called on local elected officials and leaders on Friday 23 October 2026 to ease tensions over a semi-industrial gold-mining project near Kafiné, Ivory Coast. He said the project had been approved by the President of the Republic, during a municipal council meeting, the Ivorian Press Agency (AIP) reports.
Residents interviewed by AIP on Sunday oppose the mining, particularly because of its proximity to the Kafiné dam. The dam is intended to help supply drinking water to Niakara and neighbouring localities, and residents living nearby, many of whom depend on rice farming, fear pollution. They also deny involvement in illegal gold panning.
The prefect condemned acts of vandalism against the mining facilities, which he attributed to young people opposed to the project. He also referred to suspected collusion between the new village chief, Marcel Camara, and illegal gold-panning operators, allegations that have yet to be established. He announced that a week of awareness-raising would precede any possible sanctions, adding that those involved in illegal activities could face prosecution.
A resident told AIP that some villagers feel their opposition to the project has prompted a hostile response from the authorities. The tensions recall a land dispute in January 2024 between Kafiné and Ouéréguékaha over a gold-bearing plot at Pompékaha. More than 300 young people from Kafiné then occupied the site operated by Golden Dreams and vandalised equipment.
