Government has assured the Great Lakes member states of its commitment to ensure that the issue of illegal exploitation of natural resources is addressed. Speaking during the 33rd meeting of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Regional committee against…

 Government has assured the Great Lakes member states of its commitment to ensure that the issue of illegal exploitation of natural resources is addressed.

Speaking during the 33rd meeting of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Regional committee against the illegal exploitation of natural resources in Lusaka, Ministry of Mines and Minerals Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta, urged member states to deepen regional cooperation as illegal exploitation and illicit minerals are regional in nature and require collaboration among member states.

Dr Kabeta said this in a statement made on his behalf by Ministry of Mines and Minerals Director Human Resource, Anthony Chilengi.

Dr Kabeta added that government remains committed to working with all ICGLR member states as well as the executive secretariat, United Nations, as well as cooperating partners to address exploitation issues.

“During this meeting, we will need to build on the progress made, take stock of the gaps that remain and agree on practical measures to strengthen implementation at both regional and national levels,” Dr Kabeta said.

He also highlighted that the government has put in measures to address exploitation of natural resources.

Dr Kabeta said some of the measures include the establishment of artisanal and small-scale mining, strengthening inspections and monitoring, as well as a mineral tracking system to curb smuggling in the region.

And Chairperson of the ICGLR Regional Committee, Balthazar Nyanduye, noted that ICGLR is rich in natural resources which represent job creation and industrial transformation for the betterment of the people.

Mr Nyanduye observed that for the natural resources to be sustained, there is a need for all member countries to work together.

“We need to fight the illegal exploitation of minerals and to strengthen cooperation between member states and organisations,” Mr Nyanduye said.

Meanwhile, ICGLR Executive Secretary, Mubita Lwabelwa, stated that collaboration between countries is important to fight illegal exploitation of natural resources.

Dr Lwabelwa further noted that the meeting is a great opportunity to turn shared knowledge into action and exchange of ideas, and best practices.

“Together we will strengthen partnerships and advance transparency and integrity across our sectors,” Dr Lwabelwa said.