In the Tambacounda region, located in eastern Senegal, 32 gold miners were apprehended by elements of the Niokolokoba National Park. This operation was led by Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Maïssa Diédhiou, responsible for monitoring and protecting wildlife in this protected area. The arrest took place as part of an ongoing fight against illegal gold mining, which poses a threat to the environment and biodiversity.
Gold miners from several countries
Among the 32 individuals arrested, there were 15 Burkinabé nationals, 9 Malians and 8 Senegalese. These illegal gold miners were on the site of illegal gold mining, using heavy and sophisticated equipment to extract gold, often to the detriment of the local environment and the park’s wildlife.
Seizure of heavy equipment and expertise of gold miners
Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Maïssa Diédhiou detailed the equipment seized during this operation. Among the confiscated items, we find 7 generators, 14 motorcycles and jackhammers, heavy tools often used by gold miners to break through the ground.
Colonel Diédhiou stressed that these gold miners were experienced professionals, given the complexity and heaviness of the equipment they used.
Upon their arrival at the site, the authorities immediately informed the public prosecutor in order to inform him of the operation, in accordance with the legal procedure in force.
Fight against illegal gold mining and protection of the environment
This arrest is part of ongoing efforts by Senegalese authorities to combat illegal gold panning, which is a major problem in several regions of the country, particularly in protected areas such as the Niokolokoba National Park. Illegal exploitation of natural resources endangers local biodiversity and can have harmful consequences on ecosystems, particularly waterways and agricultural lands.
Niokolokoba National Park faces significant conservation challenges due to the expansion of illegal gold panning activities. The government and local authorities are committed to strengthening controls and carrying out crackdowns against those who violate laws protecting the environment and protected areas.
Moctar FICUU / VivAfrik
