Trial of more than 1,200 people accused of illegal gold mining opens in Conakry

The trial of more than 1,200 people charged with illegal gold mining opened in Conakry on Wednesday amid a recent crackdown on the practice. The defendants were arrested in Guinea's northeastern gold-producing region of Siguiri. A number of local officials have also been struck off, accused of facilitating illegal mining. Good morning. We can't go after our authorities, who were appointed barely four months ago and inherited the situation. As for corruption, the individuals arrested have publicly stated in court that they don't even know these officials and that they didn't have their No money was involved, therefore there's no connection. Guinea's clandestine mines drew people from across West Africa. When the ban took effect on November 2nd, tens of thousands were deported. Neighbouring Mali is warning of a humanitarian catastrophe. Burkina Faso has complained its citizens were subjected to inhumane treatment. The miners' lawyers say they're not the ones who should be on trial. Good morning. The real culprits are elsewhere, not my clients. We mustn't use my clients as scapegoats. They're not the ones responsible. They're far from being connected to these acts of illicit enrichment. Illicit. Guinea is rich in mineral resources, particularly gold and bauxite. Great. Authorities are trying to curb environmental damage resulting from artisanal gold mining.