Coal Mines Urged to Respect Government Representatives.

In a recent media statement, Benny Siamudyansi, the representative of Mweemba Chiefdom in Sinazongwe District, Southern Province, emphasized the importance of coal mining investors respecting the authority of President Hakainde Hichilema's representatives. Siamudyansi underscored the divine nature of leadership, stating, "it is God who chooses leaders." Speaking at a Multi-stakeholder Dialogue convened by the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) under the Resilient Initiatives for Sustainable Environment (RISE) Project, Siamudyansi expressed concern over mines neglecting government meetings, stressing the necessity for investors to coexist harmoniously with host communities. "We cannot entertain the trend of mines shunning meetings called by Government," Siamudyansi remarked. He extended gratitude towards Collum Coal Mine and Zambian Weiye Mine for their participation in the CEJ Multi-stakeholder Dialogue, acknowledging their willingness to engage in constructive dialogue. Donald Sialwele, representing Sinazongwe Chiefdom, echoed Siamudyansi's sentiments, highlighting unresolved issues in his chiefdom requiring dialogue with investors. Sialwele commended CEJ for providing a platform for genuine dialogue aimed at safeguarding citizens' human and environmental rights. "Subjects in my Chiefdom have unresolved issues that demand dialogue with investors," stated Sialwele. Mr. Sialwele thanked CEJ for providing a platform for genuine dialogue in the interest of protecting citizens against violation of their human and environmental rights.