Forces from the Saraya Rapid Action Surveillance and Intervention Group (GARSI 2) confiscated 93 illicit gold-mining dredges during targeted anti-trafficking raids across the eastern villages of Wassangara and Sansamba in Saraya department on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Acting on intelligence pointing to widespread, unauthorized mineral extraction along the left bank of the Falémé River, security personnel executed coordinated sweeps in the communes of Missirah Sirimana and Bembou, seizing 78 dredges in Wassangara and an additional 15 in Sansamba.
The interdiction forms part of an intensified state directive to curb environmental degradation and dismantle illegal mining networks operating along southeastern Senegal’s riverways. Highlighting the ongoing enforcement drive across the Kédougou region, the National Gendarmerie reaffirmed its commitment to securing natural resources and urged residents to utilize dedicated toll-free hotlines to report illegal extraction and suspicious activities in border communities.
TE/Sf/lb/abj/APA