More than 8,000 people expelled from Guinea arrive in Kouremalé
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Bamada.net
More than 8,000 people expelled from Guinea had been registered in Kouremalé, Mali, by 2 November after artisanal gold mining was suspended in Siguiri. Malian authorities are organising reception, assistance and the return of foreign nationals, while a Burkinabè delegation is to assess their needs, according to Bamada.net.
More than 8,000 people expelled from Guinea had been registered by Monday 2 November in Kouremalé, in Mali’s Benkadi commune, after artisanal gold mining was suspended in Siguiri. Arrivals are continuing and the Malian authorities are organising assistance with food, accommodation and healthcare, according to Benkadi mayor Mamby Keita, quoted by Studio Tamani.
Burkina Faso is to send a ministerial delegation to Bamako on 4 November to identify its nationals, assess their needs and prepare for their safe return. The Crisis Coordination and Management Centre (CECOGEC) says it has also made arrangements to assist those concerned and facilitate their return to their countries, according to a statement published on 3 November and quoted by Studio Tamani.
Most of those expelled are reportedly Burkinabè and some are ill, according to Mamby Keita. The mayor says operations conducted by the Guinean authorities involved the use of tear gas and imprisonment.
These arrivals follow the ban on artisanal gold mining in Siguiri’s waterways, announced on 2 November. They also extend the influx of foreign nationals towards Bamako, reported on 5 November.
