Kédougou: an armed attack on a mining site leaves one seriously injured and 6.7 million FCFA taken away

Armed individuals broke into a mining area in Faranding, in the Saraya department, Kédougou region (south-east) during the night from Tuesday to Wednesday. They are said to have seriously attacked a Chinese national before taking away a sum of 6.7 million CFA francs.

According to the Senegalese Press Agency (APS), which cites a security source, the events occurred around 2 a.m. in a base operated by a Chinese company. Six armed individuals are said to have burst into the premises, fired shots into the air, then forced the security guard stationed on a watchtower to descend under the threat of their weapons.

The same source indicated that it had heard cries for help coming from the staff accommodation, where a Chinese national was allegedly attacked. The victim was only discovered after the attackers had left.

Presented as the treasurer of the base and aged around forty, the Chinese national was reportedly evacuated to receive medical care. The exact circumstances of the attack and the extent of the damage remain to be established through investigations.

According to the first indications reported by the APS, the attackers, whose identity and destination remain unknown, would have taken 6,700,000 CFA francs. They are reportedly armed with rifles and handguns.

The Defense and Security Forces are mobilized to make initial findings and conduct research in the area. An investigation is underway to determine the precise circumstances of this attack and to identify the people involved.