Madar (Bamako) - More than 8,000 people expelled by Guinean authorities had been registered at Kouremale by Monday, November 2, 2026, according to Mamby Keita, mayor of the Benkadi commune, following the suspension of artisanal gold mining in Guinea's Siguiri prefecture, Studio Tamani reported.
More than 450 Burkinabe and Malian gold miners from Guinea also reached Yanfolila on Wednesday, November 4, the radio said, adding that Guinean authorities justify the measure by environmental degradation and damage to waterways caused by artisanal gold mining.
The mayor criticised the methods used: "They were chased away with tear gas and some were even imprisoned," he said, adding that those expelled urgently need food, shelter and health care and that "the main concern is to find a way for the Burkinabe to return home, because many of them are sick." Most of those expelled are Burkinabe, he said. The source reported no Guinean response to the accusations.
Burkina Faso announced it was sending a ministerial delegation to Bamako on Wednesday to identify its nationals, assess their housing and health needs and organise their safe return, while the exact number of people who have reached Bamako is still being compiled.
Malian authorities had announced a reception and organised-return plan run by the Crisis Coordination and Management Centre, whose director, Colonel Issa Raoul Dana Dabo, urged residents to stay calm.
