1,557 Foreign Miners Sentenced, Expelled From Guinea

A total of 1,557 West Africans arrested and convicted for illegal gold mining in Guinea have been expelled from the country, judicial and security sources told AFP on Sunday.

The sources said a convoy of 44 vehicles transporting the foreign nationals arrived on Saturday at Kouremale, on the border with Mali, after setting off from the capital, Conakry, on Friday.

Most were from Burkina Faso and Mali and had been detained at several sites as part of an official operation against illegal mining.

They were released and expelled after being sentenced to terms ranging from 18 months to two years in prison.

Guinea has stepped up its operations against illegal gold mining since the start of this month, particularly in the northeastern region of Siguiri.

The government wants to end the unregulated exploitation of mineral resources due to the significant environmental damage it causes.

Tens of thousands of West Africans have been expelled after fleeing poverty and conflict to come to work in the region’s mines.

At least 10 people died in Siguiri on Wednesday after “violent clashes” between miners and the security forces, the government said on Thursday.

Guinea’s main opposition grouping on Saturday denounced what they said was an “authoritarian drift” and the use of force “as a method of government” after the deaths.