Côte d’Ivoire Eliminates Over 8,500 Illegal Mining Sites in Less Than Six Years
The President of the Republic, Alassane Ouattara, chaired a meeting at the Palais de la Présidence on Thursday, July 23, 2026, to discuss the general security situation in the country. During this session, the Council welcomed the results achieved in the fight against illegal mining thanks to the actions of the Groupement spécial de lutte contre l’orpaillage illégal (GS-LOI), created in 2021.
The report presented covers the period from 2021 to the first half of 2026, recording the dismantling of over 8,500 illegal mining sites across the national territory. The GS-LOI operations also led to the arrest of 4,474 individuals, with 65% being foreign nationals, the seizure of more than 960 million FCFA, and around 136 kilograms of gold.
Despite these encouraging results, the Council noted the persistence and even expansion of illegal mining in several regions of the country.
The CNS estimates that this activity continues to pose a serious threat due to its impact on the environment, national security, natural resources, and Ivorian economy.
To address this situation, President Ouattara has instructed the Prime Minister, Robert Beugré Mambé, to take all necessary measures to intensify the fight against this phenomenon.
The main orientations taken include strengthening the responsibility of administrative authorities, traditional and customary bodies, as well as security forces, particularly through departmentsal security committees (CDS) and civil-military cells (CCM) under the authority of prefects.
President Ouattara also requested increased collaboration with diplomatic representations from countries of origin of illegal miners to strengthen awareness-raising efforts and facilitate the repatriation of those involved.
The Council emphasized the application of strict repressive texts against anyone physically or morally involved in this activity. The Prime Minister has been tasked with presenting, in the best interests of time, a communication to the Council of Ministers on strengthening the national anti-illegal mining device.
The CNS also decided to increase the operational capabilities of GS-LOI and security forces’ units operating in coordination with this group.
In accordance with these new orientations, Ivorian authorities demonstrate their will to toughen the fight against illegal mining to preserve natural resources, protect the environment, ensure safety, and promote economic development.
