Soldiers arrested between 45 and 50 people following the disturbances on Friday and Saturday in the far northeastern village of Siguirini, several witnesses told AFP.

The clashes left some injured, though the precise number of casualties remains unclear, and one witness accused the army of beating people and ransacking shops and homes.

"The soldiers beat, injured, looted and wrecked small shops and citizens' homes, and even burned a hut and two motorbikes," said Sidiki Camara, a local official in charge of young people.

Another resident, Fanta Keita, said the people who were arrested were taken to Lero, a mining company in the village.

"Even pregnant women were not spared the violence and arrests. Most of the young people fled into the bush," said Mory Kouyate, a Siguirini resident.

A source at the police station in Siguiri, the area's main town, confirmed there had been arrests but did not say how many, telling AFP: "You can't attack authority with impunity."

It is not clear what sparked the violence, but witnesses said the local population believe the sub-prefect of the village, Major Cece 2 Koivogui, has embezzled money from mining companies intended to help the community develop.

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