Guinea expels 1,557 foreigners in crackdown on illegal gold mining

Guinea has expelled 1,557 foreign nationals convicted of illegal gold mining, as the military-led government intensifies its crackdown on unregulated mining activities blamed for environmental damage.

The deportees, mostly citizens of Burkina Faso and Mali, were transported in a convoy of 44 vehicles from the capital, Conakry, to Kouremale, a border town with Mali.
Judicial and security sources told AFP on Sunday that the convoy arrived at the border on Saturday after leaving Conakry on Friday.

The foreign nationals had been arrested at different mining sites during an enforcement operation and sentenced to prison terms ranging from 18 months to two years before being released and expelled.
The expulsions form part of an intensified campaign against illegal gold mining, particularly in the north-eastern region of Siguiri, where authorities have stepped up operations since the beginning of November.

The Guinean government says it wants to stop the unregulated exploitation of mineral resources because of the significant environmental damage caused by the activities.
The crackdown has also heightened tensions between miners and security forces. At least 10 people died in Siguiri on Wednesday following what the government described as “violent clashes” between miners and security personnel.

Guinea’s main opposition grouping condemned the deaths on Saturday, accusing the authorities of an “authoritarian drift” and using force “as a method of government”.
The expulsions reflect a wider regional challenge, as thousands of West Africans have travelled to mining areas in Guinea in search of work, fleeing poverty and conflict in their home countries.

The development comes amid growing concern over the impact of the crackdown on foreign workers who depend on artisanal mining for their livelihoods.
Tens of thousands of West Africans have reportedly been expelled from Guinea after travelling to the country’s mining communities in search of work.