Côte d’Ivoire has set a six-month deadline to eradicate illegal gold mining, strengthening penalties and equipping security forces as operations against clandestine sites intensify.
On Wednesday, 30 September 2026, authorities handed over 300 motorcycles, 30 pick-up vehicles, 12 inflatable boats and drones to the Special unit responsible for combating illegal gold mining, known as GS-LOI.
Established in 2021, the Unit is expected to use the equipment to improve mobility, strengthen surveillance and map illegal mining sites. Authorities said the resources would support operations on land and water, during both the day and night. The Executive Secretary of the National Security Council, Fidèle Sarassoro, described the fight against illegal gold mining as a “national security requirement”.
The equipment handover follows the government’s adoption of a bill last week to amend the Penal Code and toughen sanctions against those involved. The proposed penalties include fines ranging from CFA50 million to CFA100 million and prison terms of between two and five years. Sentences could reach 20 years where a public official is involved.