Water and Forest / Illegal Gold Panning: Minister Jacques Assahoré Raises Voice Against Internal Complicity

Ivorian Minister of Water and Forests, Jacques Assahoré, announced a zero-tolerance policy against agents involved in illegal gold panning and internal complicity. During a ceremony in Abidjan, he condemned the environmental destruction, water pollution, and biodiversity threats caused by illegal activities. He emphasized the accountability of forest managers for the condition of their protected areas and accused some agents of betraying their mission by turning a blind eye to illegal exploitation.