Preventing violent extremism in Senegal: threats linked to gold mining

Vulnerabilities in south-eastern Senegal must be addressed to avoid the expansion of violent extremism.

Date: 2021-12-16

Time: 11:00 to 15:30

Venue: Terrou-Bi hotel, Dakar

This event starts at 09:00 (GMT)

As security incidents occur sporadically on both sides of the Senegalese-Malian border, there is growing concern that the threat from violent extremist groups may be expanding to gold-rich south-eastern Senegal. 

This seminar launches the findings of a two-year research project that generated empirical data on risk factors associated with gold mining in the Kédougou and Tambacounda regions of Senegal and the role they may play in the expansion of violent extremist groups into West African littoral countries.

This event is co-hosted by Centre des Hautes Études de Défense et de Sécurité (CHEDS). Attendance is by invitation only.

Chairperson: Dr Lori-Anne Théroux-Bénoni, Regional Office for West Africa, the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin

Opening remarks: General Mbaye Cissé, Director, CHEDS

Panelists: 

Paulin Maurice Toupane, Senior Researcher, ISS

Cherif Sow, Research associate, ISS

Adja Khadidiatou Faye, Research officer, ISS

Aïssatou Kanté, Researcher, ISS

Respondents:

Saër Ndao, governor of the Kédougou region

Ahmed Diane Séméga, High Commissioner, Organisation for the Development of the Senegal River

Bakhabo Diankha, gold digger, Kédougou

Dialiba Tandian, Manager of KEOH, Kédougou