Siguiri (N’ko: ߛߌ߯ߙߌ߲߫ ; Arabic: سِجِرِ ِ) is a city in northeastern Guinea on the River Niger. It is a sub-prefecture and capital of Siguiri Prefecture in the Kankan Region. It is known for its goldsmiths and as the birthplace of Sekouba Bambino Diabaté. Siguiri is the site of a former French fort built in 1888, and the Siguiri Airport.

Etymology

'Sigui' means 'buffalo' and 'ri' means place, a name given to the area due to its dense brush and abundant population of wild animals.

History

Siguiri has been an important center since the time of Sundiata Keita. Some oral traditions have Sundiata's oldest son, Nyamagan, settling and ruling there. The town moved several times, on both sides of the river, due to flooding and the search for richer agricultural land on the banks of the Niger.

Mining

Placer gold is mined here. North and northwest of Siguiri, and along the Tinkisso River, is the Bouré region. This region replaced Bambouk as a major gold producer in the 11th-12th centuries.

Climate

Siguiri has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen climate classification Aw).