Ouagadougou: Citizen watchdog organizations from Kongoussi and Sabce demonstrated Thursday in Imiougou against the mining company Bissa Gold. They accuse three officials of stirring up a dispute over reforestation at a mine tailings site and are demanding their replacement.
According to Burkina Information Agency, community leaders have reported that the mine mobilized young people from Sabce to reforest the Imiougou tailings, contrary to the wishes of local residents who requested a laterite supply instead. This action has reportedly led the elders of Imiougou to invoke fetishes, known as Tinse in Moore, against those involved in the reforestation process.
The village chief of Imiougou, who is a former mine worker, expressed concerns over the lack of dialogue in the decision-making process. He stated, “We are demonstrating because we know that President Ibrahim Traore is a man of virtue and that he will listen to us.”
The leader of Bam’s citizen watch, Noufou Sawadogo, commonly referred to as Naf Naf, highlighted potential risks to village cohesion due to the current situation. The demonstrators are firmly demanding the removal of three specific mine officials.
In response, Bissa Gold expressed its surprise at the protest, asserting that it has consistently involved communities in its rehabilitation efforts. A representative explained, “As part of the rehabilitation of our TSF, we decided to plant trees, always involving the affected communities. Some did not agree, and we worked with those who did. We are therefore surprised by this demonstration, which also calls for the departure of certain officials.”
As background information, tailings or mining residue consist of waste from ore processing, made up of water, rock particles, and chemical reagents. Experts consider both reforestation and clay cover as suitable management options.