Côte d’Ivoire cracks down on illegal gold mining with over 8,500 sites dismantled

Government intensifies efforts to eradicate illegal gold panning

The President of Côte d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara, chaired a National Security Council (NSC) meeting at the Presidential Palace to evaluate the country’s security landscape. The session highlighted the remarkable progress achieved in combating illegal gold mining, driven by the Special Task Force Against Illegal Gold Panning (GS-LOI), established in 2021.

Staggering results in the fight against illegal gold panning

Between 2021 and the first half of 2026, the GS-LOI dismantled over 8,500 illegal gold panning sites across Côte d’Ivoire. The operations led to the arrest of 4,474 individuals, with 65% being foreign nationals. Authorities also seized more than 960 million FCFA in cash and approximately 136 kilograms of gold. Additionally, numerous vehicles and mining equipment used in illicit activities were confiscated and destroyed.

Despite these significant achievements, the NSC expressed concern over the persistent and even expanding presence of illegal gold mining in several regions of the country.

Illegal gold panning remains a major threat

The Council emphasized that this illicit activity continues to pose severe risks to the environment, national security, natural resources, and the national economy. To address this ongoing challenge, the Head of State instructed Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé to implement further measures to strengthen the crackdown on illegal gold mining.

The NSC outlined key measures, including enhancing accountability among administrative, traditional, and customary authorities, as well as the Defense and Security Forces. This will be achieved through the activation of Departmental Security Committees (CDS) and Civil-Military Cells (CCM), both operating under the supervision of regional prefects.

The President also called for deeper collaboration with diplomatic missions from the countries of origin of the foreign illegal miners. The goal is to bolster awareness campaigns and streamline the repatriation of those involved in these unlawful practices.

Stricter enforcement and future steps

The NSC underscored the importance of rigorously applying punitive measures against all individuals and entities participating in illegal gold panning. In response, the Prime Minister has been tasked with presenting a government communication to the Council of Ministers, outlining a reinforced national strategy to combat this issue.

The Council also announced plans to increase the operational capabilities of the GS-LOI and other security units working in tandem with the task force. These efforts reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Côte d’Ivoire’s natural resources, protecting the environment, and fostering sustainable economic growth.