Group asks govt to tackle hunger as check to persistent clashes with illegal miners

Governance and Development Advocates Zambia (GODAZA) has advised the government to quickly engage in dialogue with the youths and small-scale miners to understand their concerns and develop solutions that benefit everyone.

Executive Director, Elias Mulenga, suggested the creation of a platform for open discussion and ensuring that the voices of the local community were heard.

Mulenga said in a statement on Wednesday that the government should formulate policies that support small-scale miners and provide them with opportunities for economic empowerment.

“Mines and the Copperbelt Provincial Minister, Paul Kabuswe, should establish a regulated framework that allows small-scale miners to operate safely and benefit from economic opportunities to help improve their livelihoods,” he said.

“Hunger is the cause of illegal mining and I am calling on stakeholders to respond to President Hakainde Hichilema’s policies on economic recovery that should meet people’s expectations.”

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He said the government should address the underlying issues of hunger and poverty that contributed to the riots.

Mulenga further called on the government to consider compensating individuals who had suffered losses due to the riots or the closure of mining pits.

He also urged the government to prioritise mining safety and take measures to prevent accidents and tragedies like the one that occurred in December 2023, where over 47 miners were trapped in a mine collapse.

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