Illegal Gold Panning: Ouattara Promises Up to 20 Years in Prison for Commanders, Financiers, and Co

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara has signed a bill that imposes up to 20 years in prison for sponsors, receivers, financiers, and site owners involved in illegal gold panning. The government aims to strengthen legal measures against this activity, seen as a significant threat to the environment and public health, by amending the Penal Code. The reform also introduces cumulative sanctions and broadens responsibility to include all actors involved, especially when public officials are implicated.