Drawing from the timeless wisdom of “once bitten, twice shy,” adage, Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda is displaying a cautious approach as he navigates the impending signing of mining development agreements (MDAs) with Lotus Resources and Mkango Resources Limited. Embracing prudence in the face of past challenges, Chakaka Nyirenda has made it clear that he requires ample time to meticulously assess the myriad pros and cons associated with these agreements before putting pen to paper this month.
Highlighting lingering points of contention among the involved parties, Nyirenda underscored the necessity for thorough deliberation to ensure that any agreement reflects the true essence of the discussions and embodies mutually beneficial terms.
“With these two companies [Lotus Resources and Mkango Resources Limited], we haven’t reached an agreement yet. There is a need for patience and perseverance in order to achieve the desired results. We also need to avoid repeating past mistakes.
“The negotiators will make sure that they counter-balance between the needs of Malawi, as the host state, and interests of the companies, as investors. The MDAs should contain provisions that strive to ensure that these companies and their investment shall endeavour to achieve the highest possible level of contribution to the sustainable development of Malawi and the local community before the agreements are signed,” Chakaka Nyirenda said.
Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources and Climate Change has sided with Chakaka Nyirenda on the issue, saying there is a need for government to tread carefully on the issue before signing the MDAs.
Committee chairperson Welani Chilenga said this Sunday. “Otherwise, we, as a committee, have heard that some of these companies are making unrealistic demands,” he said.
