After the attacks on mining company convoys, several security incidents have been reported around mining and exploration sites. The terrorists seem to be moving on to another stage, according to the newspaper L’Economiste du Faso (No. 444). They are attacking the sites directly, according to the newspaper, which cites examples.
On 9 June 2022, the Riverstone Karma mine was the target of a terrorist attack in the early morning. Riverstone Karma is located in Namissigma in the northern province of Yatenga. A large number of terrorists entered the Riverstone Karma camp on 9 June 2022. The attack caused the death of three people, including the Director of Human Resources at the mine, an employee and an agent of the Defence and Security Forces (FDS).
Some workers were injured. Several vehicles belonging to the mine and workers were set on fire. The response of the FDS limited the material damage. This response resulted in the neutralisation of more than ten assailants.
Riverstone Karma employed 767 people, including 799 men and 32 women in 2020. In the same year, it paid 13.138 billion FCFA to the state budget in terms of taxes, which represents 5.56% of the mining sector’s contribution in 2020.
In terms of social expenses, the mine invested 2.772 billion FCFA, including 1.841 billion FCFA for the Mining Fund for Local Development.
Three days before this attack, on 06 June 2022, terrorists ambushed the logistical convoy of the Semafo Boungou mine in the East region. The attack took place 5 km from the town of Fada N’Gourma. One soldier was injured as a result of the ambush.
Not satisfied with not having done more damage, the next day, 7 June 2022, they launched shells at the Boungou mine. This remote attack did not cause any damage.
The Semafo Boungou mine is not new to incidents. As a reminder, a convoy from this mine was attacked in November 2019. The death toll was 37 people.
Prior to these incidents, the SOMITA mine that operates Taparko in the Centre-North region suspended its activities after revealing incursions on the mine perimeter and receiving alerts of attacks on its convoys. On the Kaya-Dori axis, explosive devices caused the death of several people, including two passengers on a public transport bus, 12 gendarmes and three police officers.
For all these reasons, SOMITA decided to suspend its activities for reasons of insecurity.
Long before SOMITA, the Youga mine suspended its activities after being the victim of an attack on its satellite site in Ouaré on 30 January 2022. An attack that caused the death of 3 policemen.
Finally, in January 2017, after an attack on a mining site of Progress minerals, a research company, a Canadian geologist was kidnapped. His lifeless body was found far from the site.
“After targeted attacks against state agents, the Defence and Security Forces, volunteers for the defence of the homeland, telephone installations, state symbols, civilian populations, etc., terrorists are launching offensives against industrial mining sites. The turn of events does not augur well for Burkina Faso, which currently relies on this sector to collect revenue and create jobs. The aim of the terrorists is to scare away investors and economically suffocate the country,” says L’Economiste du Faso.
Synthesis by P B.
Read more : https://www.leconomistedufaso.bf/…/insecurite-mines…/
