Ivory Coast cracks down on illegal gold mining with sweeping operations

The President of the Republic, Alassane Ouattara, convened a meeting of the National Security Council (CNS) at the Presidential Palace on July 23, 2026 to assess the country’s security landscape. During the session, the Council highlighted significant progress in combating illegal gold mining, a persistent challenge for Côte d’Ivoire since the inception of the Special Gold Mining Task Force (GS-LOI) in 2021.

Key achievements from 2021 to the first half of 2026 were presented, revealing the dismantling of over 8,500 illegal gold mining sites nationwide. The GS-LOI’s operations also led to the arrest of 4,474 individuals, with 65% of them being foreign nationals. Authorities seized more than 960 million West African francs (XOF) in cash and approximately 136 kilograms of gold. Additionally, numerous tools and vehicles used in illicit mining were confiscated and destroyed.

Despite these gains, the National Security Council acknowledged the ongoing persistence and even expansion of illegal gold mining in several regions. The Council emphasized that this illicit activity continues to pose severe risks to national security, environmental stability, natural resource preservation, and economic growth.

Stricter measures and coordinated efforts

Alassane Ouattara directed Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé to implement additional measures to intensify the crackdown. The strategy includes enhancing the accountability of administrative, traditional, and customary authorities, as well as the Defense and Security Forces. This will be achieved through the strengthening of Departmental Security Committees (CDS) and Civil-Military Cells (CCM), placed under the jurisdiction of regional prefects.

The President also urged greater collaboration with the diplomatic missions of countries whose nationals are involved in illegal mining. The goal is to bolster awareness campaigns and streamline the repatriation of foreign miners operating without permits.

In a firm stance against perpetrators, the Council reiterated the importance of strictly enforcing existing laws against all individuals or entities engaged in illegal gold mining. The Prime Minister was tasked with submitting a proposal to the Council of Ministers to reinforce the national framework for combating this issue.

To further bolster enforcement, the Council decided to expand the operational capabilities of the GS-LOI and the units of the Defense and Security Forces that work in tandem with the task force.

A commitment to sustainable solutions

Through these intensified measures, Ivorian authorities aim to safeguard natural resources, protect the environment, and ensure national security and economic stability. The renewed focus reflects a determination to eliminate illegal gold mining and its far-reaching consequences.