CDEDI calls for immediate halt to operation Samala M’godi’ over policy contradictions

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-A governance watchdog, the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), has called on government to urgently suspend the ongoing “Operation Samala M’godi,” describing it as inconsistent and detrimental to the livelihoods of millions of Malawians.

In a letter addressed to the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Mining and Energy and copied to Minister Jean Mathanga and Director General of the Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA), Mphatso Chikoti, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa has expressed concern over what the organisation describes as a contradictory approach in the management of the gold mining sector.

CDEDI notes that the Reserve Bank of Malawi, through its subsidiary, the Export Development Fund (EDF), has been purchasing gold since 2021, largely sourced from artisanal miners across the country.

However, the organisation observes that authorities are simultaneously intensifying a crackdown on the same miners supplying the commodity.

The letter further highlights that the suspension of issuance of artisanal mining licences by MMRA in 2023 has limited participation of ordinary Malawians in the sector, while allegedly favouring a few individuals, including foreign nationals and those with political connections.

According to Namiwa, artisanal gold mining has in recent years provided an alternative source of income for over a million Malawians who were previously dependent on subsistence farming or were unemployed.

The organisation states that this has contributed to improved economic activity and livelihoods in many communities.

The watchdog has since faulted the manner in which the enforcement exercise is being conducted, arguing that authorities have not adequately engaged affected communities prior to the implementation of the operation.

It warns that the approach risks undermining public trust and negatively affecting economic gains made at the grassroots level.

CDEDI also claims that the crackdown has resulted in a decline in gold deliveries to EDF, suggesting that government remains reliant on artisanal miners despite the enforcement measures.

In its recommendations, the organisation has called for the immediate suspension of the operation, engagement with mining communities, and the formalisation of artisanal mining through the issuance of licences to locals.

It has also urged government to review inactive mining licences and consider reallocating them to Malawians.

Among other proposals, CDEDI has asked authorities to release individuals arrested during the operation and return confiscated property, while encouraging government to adopt best practices from countries such as Mozambique in managing the sector.

The Ministry of Mining and Energy is yet to comment on the matter.