Guinea: 1,263 “recalcitrant” gold miners detained as the state cleans up Siguiri

Since the ban on artisanal gold mining in Siguiri took effect on November 2, 2026, Guinean authorities have arrested 1,263 people and taken them to Conakry for legal proceedings. The detainees include Guineans, Burkinabè, Malians, Togolese, Nigeriens, Ivorians and Ghanaians. President Mamadi Doumbouya removed 22 territorial administrators, while the minister of territorial administration dismissed 479 district and neighbourhood heads, who will also face prosecution. Authorities say the operations will extend to Mandiana, Kérouané and Kouroussa.