SEMAFO: Update on Burkina Faso Situation

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Jan. 18, 2016) - SEMAFO Inc. (TSX:SMF)(OMX:SMF) today reports that its employees are safe and were not involved in the terrorist attack on the Splendid Hotel in downtown Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso between January 15 and January 16, 2016.

Operations at the Mana Mine, which is located 270 kilometers southwest and a five-hour road trip from Ouagadougou, are unaffected. The safety of our employees continues to be our top priority. As a preventive measure, we have increased security at the mine. We will continue to closely monitor the situation with our partners to protect the health and safety of SEMAFO employees and our operations.

The Corporation would like to express its deepest sympathy to families of the victims and its solidarity with the Burkinabè people.

About SEMAFO

SEMAFO is a Canadian-based mining company with gold production and exploration activities in West Africa. The Corporation operates the Mana Mine in Burkina Faso, which includes the high-grade satellite deposits of Siou and Fofina. SEMAFO is committed to evolve in a conscientious manner to become a major player in its geographical area of interest. SEMAFO's strategic focus is to maximize shareholder value by effectively managing its existing assets as well as pursuing organic and strategic growth opportunities.

The information in this release is subject to the disclosure requirements of SEMAFO under the Swedish Securities Market Act and/or the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act. This information was publicly communicated on January 18, 2016 at 7:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time.