A fresh call has gone out to Malawians to remain vigilant and protect the country’s mineral wealth after the Malawi Defence Force arrested five foreign nationals suspected of illegally entering the country and engaging in unauthorized mineral exploration activities.
The appeal has been made by the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), which has also commended the military for apprehending the suspects in Chikwawa on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
The five arrested foreigners have been identified as Russians Badalyan, Rushan Nersisyan, Andreir Sklyarchuk, Mark Sklyarchuk, and Aleksel Latcyk. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are linked to Baze International Limited and Avro International Limited.
According to CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa, the arrests were made possible through collaboration between the Ministry of Mining and Energy and artisanal miners following a recent meeting between Mining Minister Jean Mathanga and the leadership of artisanal miners led by James Kudazala.
During the meeting held at the ministry’s headquarters, the artisanal miners reportedly pledged to provide intelligence information to state authorities aimed at flushing out illegal foreign miners.
Namiwa said a week after the meeting, CDEDI received a tip-off that six suspected Russian nationals were staying at a lodge in Chikwawa and had allegedly refused lodge staff access to clean their rooms during a three-week stay.
The organization said it alerted relevant authorities, leading to the MDF operation that resulted in the arrests on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, CDEDI has challenged hospitality industry operators and workers to demonstrate patriotism by reporting suspicious activities involving foreign guests to authorities.
The organization has also appealed to the government to strengthen the Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA), saying the institution is struggling with staffing gaps and a shortage of skilled personnel needed to effectively regulate the mining sector.
CDEDI further reiterated its earlier calls for the government to revoke all quarry mining licences issued to foreign nationals, as well as exploration licences that have exceeded three years.
“The minerals in our soil are our wealth, let us protect them to benefit us and generations to come,” said Namiwa.
