Guinea bans gold panning in Siguiri waterways
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on L’Infodrome and Africaguinée
Five Guinean ministries have banned gold panning in waterways and sensitive areas of Siguiri, citing environmental damage, according to L’Infodrome and Africaguinée. The joint statement, issued on 2 November 2026 after 22 local officials were suspended, also provides for a permanent deployment of defence and security forces to enforce the measure, Africaguinée reports.
A joint statement read by army spokesperson General Mamadou Aliou Sow cited major damage caused by heavy machinery, dredgers, explosives, mercury and cyanide. It specifically cited the destruction of soil and vegetation, as well as pollution and silting of the Niger, the Tinkisso and their tributaries, Africaguinée reports.
Defence and security forces are to maintain a permanent presence, day and night, alongside the gendarmerie, police, customs and nature conservation officers. Checks are planned on roads and waterways and at entry points to Siguiri to prevent the transport of heavy machinery, dredgers, explosives and chemicals, Africaguinée reports.
The Regional Defence and Security Commission and the prefectural and sub-prefectural commissions are to monitor the measures and submit a weekly report to the National Defence and Security Commission. The purchase and sale of gold extracted in the region will also be restricted to authorised trading houses. The government says operations must protect the gold sector, respect human rights and guarantee the free movement of people and goods, according to Africaguinée.
