The Ivorian government adopted on September 23, 2026, a bill amending the Penal Code in order to notably strengthen sanctions against illegal gold mining and certain environmental offenses.
According to the Council of Ministers’ statement, the text provides for heavier and cumulative penalties for masterminds, fence operators, financiers, and site owners involved in illegal gold mining. Sanctions could reach up to 20 years of imprisonment when the perpetrator is a public official.
The project also creates new standalone offenses and targets other environmental violations, notably the unauthorized filling of the sea and inland waterways.
The government indicates that the reform must also adapt certain provisions of the Penal Code to Côte d’Ivoire’s international commitments. The text notably revises the definition of torture and strengthens legal protections concerning minors and women.
The text adopted by the Council of Ministers is a draft law. Its entry into force depends on the continuation of the legislative process.
