The prefect of the Saraya department, Babacar Niang, conducted a field visit to several sensitive sites, accompanied by the mayor, the sub-prefect, the commander of the 62nd fire brigade, representatives from the land registry, the regional director of mines, COMPAGEN (the National Agency for the Management of Mining and Forestry Operations), the village chiefs of Gamba-Gamba and Kharakhéna, and officials from the mining company Afrigold. The objective was to assess the security situation following a series of incidents and to take urgent measures.

A site marked by two landslides that have already occurred

At the site, which has already seen two deadly landslides, authorities have discovered a new illegal occupation by gold miners, despite the backfilling order issued after the first accident. According to observations made on site, individuals apparently took advantage of a recent presidential visit to once again occupy the area.

Afrigold has begun backfilling work and is installing enhanced security measures. However, authorities have reiterated that if these measures prove insufficient, the company must immediately alert the defense and security forces for support.

The main challenge remains the extent of the mining permit, which covers 38 km², while the company only has about thirty security agents to monitor the entire perimeter.

Raising awareness among gold miners and closing down sites

Administrative authorities also met with gold miners awaiting the official allocation of a mining corridor. These miners were made aware of the consequences of unregulated occupation and repeated accidents, which are precisely what is delaying the establishment of this legal corridor.

The gold miners, for their part, pointed the finger at the presence of foreign groups whom they accuse of invading the sites.

In response to the situation, several measures have been adopted:

• the immediate closure of the site in question;

• enhanced security measures in the area;

• Rapid alerting of security forces in the event of an attempted intrusion.

A 9-hectare site already under pressure

The delegation also visited a 9-hectare site made available by Afrigold, pending an administrative order. There too, the beginnings of an encroachment were observed.

A permanent security detail will be installed at both sites visited. Authorities reiterated that, as the area is private property, the company is primarily responsible for its security, with state intervention falling mainly under the purview of public safety.

Kharakhéna: towards a reorganization of the village after the fires

The prefectural mission finally made it possible to assess the situation in Kharakhéna, recently affected by several fires. The findings indicate that the village's haphazard development severely hinders access for emergency services.

To address this, a comprehensive mapping exercise will be carried out, followed by the development of a reorganization plan. A subdivision is also being considered to reallocate residential plots in a structured and secure manner.

The dismantling of clandestine bars has been announced.

As part of the overall security operation, the authorities announced the upcoming launch of an operation aimed at dismantling clandestine bars, considered to be hotbeds of insecurity in the area.

Through this visit, Prefect Babacar Niang intends to reaffirm the authority of the State in the face of the illegal occupation of mining sites and the growing risks linked to land anarchy, in a department of Saraya under strong pressure from gold panning.