At least 10 killed in Guinea clashes over gold mining ban

At least 10 people were killed and 13 injured in clashes between protesters and security forces in northeastern Guinea. The violence broke out as forces enforced a ban on artisanal gold mining, a measure intended to curb environmental damage but affecting a livelihood relied on by many people.

The clashes occurred on Wednesday in Balato, in the Siguiri region, during a patrol checking compliance with the ban. The dead included five foreign nationals whose identities have not been established; both civilians and security personnel were among the injured. Guinea imposed the ban on 2 November, citing pollution and damage to farmland, while neighbouring countries have reported tens of thousands of Guineans and other people leaving the country. Authorities have opened an investigation into the violence; more than 1,200 people suspected of illegal mining were arrested in the region earlier this month.