The Côte d’Ivoire government adopted a bill on Sept. 23, 2026, aimed at toughening penalties for those involved in illegal gold mining, including sponsors, receivers, financiers and owners of mining sites.

Government spokesman Amadou Coulibaly said the measures seek to strengthen the criminal response to illegal gold mining, which he described as particularly harmful to the environment and public health.

Under the proposed legislation, penalties for illegal gold mining would be increased and made cumulative. The bill would also create separate offences targeting sponsors, receivers, financiers and site owners involved in illegal mining operations.

Penalties could reach up to 20 years in prison when the offender is a public official, according to the government.

The bill also provides for tougher sanctions against verbal or behavioural abuses directed at members of the administration, including traditional authorities such as kings and village chiefs.

It further strengthens penalties for offences affecting the environment, including illegal gold mining and the unauthorised filling of the sea and inland waterways.

The proposed legislation also introduces a new definition of torture that incorporates the principle of responsibility of military commanders and hierarchical superiors, in line with the International Convention against Torture.

The government said the bill follows a regular review of the country’s criminal justice framework, aimed at bringing it more closely into line with Côte d’Ivoire’s international commitments and improving the fight against crime.

The proposed law also strengthens legal protection for minors and women, with additional measures aimed at protecting them against rape and sexually deviant behaviour.