Deadly clashes in Guinea during campaign against illegal gold mines: at least 10 killed

At least 10 people, including five foreigners, were killed and 13 others injured in clashes between security forces and illegal gold miners in northeastern Guinea, amid a government crackdown on unregulated mining.

At least 10 people, including five foreigners, were killed and 13 others injured in clashes between security forces and illegal gold miners in northeastern Guinea. The clashes occurred on Wednesday in the mineral-rich Siguiri region, following a government decision on November 2 banning unregulated and illegal mining activities, which led to the deployment of military forces in the area. The government said in a statement that confrontations and an exchange of fire took place after protesters set up barricades during a security patrol, adding that 13 people were injured, including security personnel, and the case has been referred to the public prosecutor for investigation. Witnesses reported a heavy security presence in the area, preventing residents from reaching the clash sites. One resident said he saw bodies after the clashes and added that shops were vandalized, while another reported that his father was injured during the confrontations but could not get medical help. These events follow a campaign launched by Guinean authorities to combat illegal gold prospecting, including the use of environmentally harmful chemicals, which has resulted in the expulsion of tens of thousands of foreigners working in the mines.