During a meeting in Chitipa on Saturday, the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Mwangasula Mwambande said the ministry will not renew the operating licence of Ilomba Mining Company in Chitipa, because the miner does not respect for communities surrounding the mine.

 The meeting, between Chitipa’s businesspersons and five Cabinet ministers, saw the former raise various concerns on the mine and the Malawi Regulatory Authority (MRA). Following unceasing protests towards the said concerns, the ministers were sent to the northern region to discuss with the concerned, as Mwambande outlined that government puts welfare of its people at the forefront.

 During demonstrations against the Malawi Revenue Authority in Chitipa, Chipiku Store was been looted, as demonstrators were seen running with various items from the store. On January 6th, Chitipa residents wrote to the Officer In-Charge of MRA in Chitipa, demanding the removal of officers from Mbilima Border “or we will react in a manner you will not like” said the letter. On the other hand, settlers around the Ilomba Mine threatened to shut it down after it did not fulfill promises made to construct a school and boreholes.