During a high-stakes meeting at the Presidential Palace, President Alassane Ouattara presided over a session of the National Security Council (NSC) to assess the country’s overall security landscape. The session focused heavily on the progress achieved in combating illegal gold mining, a priority since the establishment of the Special Task Force Against Illegal Gold Mining (GS-LOI) in 2021.
The latest report, covering the period from 2021 through the first half of 2026, highlights the dismantling of more than 8,500 illegal mining sites across Côte d’Ivoire. The GS-LOI’s coordinated efforts also led to the arrest of 4,474 individuals, 65% of whom were foreign nationals. Additionally, authorities seized over 960 million CFA francs and approximately 136 kilograms of gold. Numerous tools and machinery used in illicit operations were confiscated and destroyed as part of the crackdown.
While these achievements are significant, the National Security Council acknowledged that illegal gold mining continues to spread across several regions. The NSC emphasized that this clandestine activity poses a serious threat due to its severe consequences on the environment, national security, natural resources, and the national economy.
In response, the Head of State directed Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé to implement further measures to intensify the fight against illegal mining. Key decisions included strengthening the accountability of administrative, traditional, and customary authorities, as well as defense and security forces. This will be achieved through Departmental Security Committees (CDS) and Civil-Military Cells (CCM), both operating under the supervision of regional prefects.
President Ouattara also called for enhanced collaboration with the diplomatic missions of the countries of origin for the foreign miners involved. The goal is to boost awareness campaigns and streamline the repatriation process for those implicated in illegal activities.
The Council underscored the importance of strictly enforcing punitive laws against all individuals or entities involved in illegal gold mining. To this end, the Prime Minister was tasked with delivering a report to the Council of Ministers, proposing measures to reinforce the national framework for combating this issue.
Another critical decision was to expand the operational capabilities of the GS-LOI and the security forces units working alongside it. These measures reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal gold mining, safeguarding natural resources, protecting the environment, and ensuring the country’s security and economic growth.
