On 15 March 2025, overnight, youths responsible for guarding the village's lands and illegal gold miners clashed in Kiendi (Gontougo, Zanzan). 3 people were killed in the fight, which involved firearms. Police deployed to the site. Youths surprised the group of illegal gold miners in the midst of their activities which triggered the exchange of fire. The region had witnessed rising tensions linked to illegal gold mining.

Supply-chain Risk Briefing

Summary

On the night of March 15, armed clashes broke out between illegal gold miners and village land guards in Kiendi village, Zanzan region, Côte d'Ivoire, resulting in 3 deaths. Gunfire exchanges occurred and police have been deployed to the scene. The region has been experiencing continuously escalating tensions due to illegal gold mining activities.

Supply-chain impact

• Gold supply-chain instability: Violence related to illegal mining activities in eastern Côte d'Ivoire's Zanzan region could disrupt local gold production and distribution networks
• Agricultural sector risks: Zanzan region is a major agricultural area, and if land disputes spread, there are concerns of negative impacts on production of key export crops such as cocoa and coffee
• Regional transport network constraints: Security instability may lead to road traffic restrictions and logistics transport delays
• Investment environment deterioration: Foreign investment in the mining sector and operating environment for legitimate mining permit holders may weaken

Watch points

• Whether additional armed conflicts occur within Zanzan region and effectiveness of government security reinforcement measures
• Impact of strengthened illegal mining crackdowns on operations and production volumes of legitimate gold mining companies
• Ripple effects of spreading land disputes on crop cultivation and harvesting activities in nearby agricultural areas