Ten people, including five foreign nationals, were killed and 13 others injured during clashes between protesters and defence and security forces on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in
Balato, in the Kintinian prefecture of north-eastern Guinea, according to a provisional toll released by the government on Friday.
The violence erupted in the Setiguiyah area during a joint patrol by defence and security forces tasked with enforcing a joint decree – issued on November 2, 2026 – that prohibits unregulated and illegal artisanal gold mining.
According to the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, protesters set up barricades on public roads to obstruct the security forces.
The situation subsequently escalated into clashes, involving an exchange of gunfire between the two sides.
The provisional toll, compiled by health authorities in the Siguiri region, reports ten deaths—including five foreign nationals whose identities have yet to be established – and thirteen injuries among both civilians and members of the defence and security forces.
The injured are currently receiving care at the Siguiri regional hospital.
The clashes also resulted in significant material damage: two pickup trucks and one truck belonging to the security forces were set on fire, as were two rock-crushing machines.
A makeshift structure used as a storage depot for alcoholic beverages was destroyed, and several
sheds were vandalized. Additionally, a military-grade weapon and a motorcycle were seized by protesters.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 12, the Guinean government firmly condemned this violence and reaffirmed its commitment to continue implementing measures aimed at ending illegal gold mining, while ensuring the protection of people and property and the restoration of public order.
Judicial authorities have been tasked with shedding light on the circumstances surrounding these events, determining responsibility, and – where appropriate – initiating legal proceedings against the perpetrators.
The government has called on the public to remain calm and exercise restraint, specifically urging those in possession of the seized weapon and motorcycle to hand them over to the authorities. It has also encouraged citizens to cooperate with the relevant services and to refrain from spreading unverified information.
TE/Sf/fss/as/APA