Gold mining crisis in villages of the sub-prefecture of Gagnoa.
MP Moussa Konaté calls for calm.
The Honorable Moussa Konaté, Member of Parliament for the sub-prefecture of Gagnoa, called for calm in the ongoing crisis between villages and a mining exploration company. In a press conference held Monday at his constituency office, the elected official outlined the steps he has taken to ease tensions.
According to the member of parliament, the company that came to mine for gold in certain villages of the sub-prefecture is struggling to carry out its operations despite holding an exploration permit issued by the national authorities. This reluctance among the local population stems from the lack of a protocol outlining the rights and responsibilities of each party.
"Fearing they would lose out in this affair, the villages involved turned against the workers in a climate of intense tension," Moussa Konaté recounted, describing the origin of the crisis.
He said he traveled to Dikohipalégnoa, one of the villages in crisis, to understand the prevailing situation. Furthermore, he then met with the council of village chiefs from the Gagnoa department to try to contain the crisis.
“My approach had only one objective: to call for calm and then invite the mining company and the villages to discussions to find common ground. I therefore appeal to everyone to set aside their differences and engage in dialogue. It is through this means that a lasting solution could be found for the benefit of all,” said Moussa Konaté.
In addition to the gold issue, the MP addressed other topics during his press conference, notably the development challenges facing the Gagnoa department and the regional election. Regarding the first issue, he emphasized the shortcomings in Gagnoa. To address these deficiencies, he envisioned a "Marshall Plan" that would definitively pull the department out of its stagnation.
“For this reason, we, the elders, must leave behind petty politics and resolutely commit ourselves to development policy,” he proposed. However, Mr. Konaté expressed his gratitude to the Head of State, President Alassane Ouattara, for his “benevolent gaze” upon the city of Gagnoa, in providing it with certain socio-economic infrastructure.
"At the appropriate time, we will organize a day of tribute to President Ouattara to show him our full gratitude," announced the independent MP.
Regarding the local election scheduled for 2028, the MP reiterated his intention to run for the presidency of the Gôh regional council.
"Being a candidate in the regional elections is an imperative for me," the elected official insisted.
Note that Moussa Konaté is at his 3rd press conference since entering the National Assembly where he joined the parliamentary group "Solidarity" chaired by the Honorable Guillaume Gbato, deputy of Danané.
Lyne Zahui / © Gagnoa.net
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