CS Malonza elects to lead 6 countries in LATF

By Robert Mutasi

In a significant event, Peninah Malonza, the Tourism Cabinet Secretary, became the first woman to be elected as the President of the Governing Council of the Lusaka Agreement Task Force (LATF).

This decision was confirmed during a high-profile meeting of six member countries on June 29.

In her new role, Malonza will supervise the activities of the member states of the Lusaka Agreement, including Congo (Brazzaville), Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Tanzania, and Zambia. Additionally, her responsibilities include coordinating with Ethiopia, South Africa, and Eswatini, who are parties to the same agreement.

Expressing gratitude in her inaugural address, Malonza acknowledged the honor of being the first female President of the 13th Governing Council.

She pledged to use this platform to promote climate activism, which she believes is crucial to helping member states address wildlife-related issues.

In addition to climate activism, she urged member states to implement new measures to combat and halt poaching, which she pointed out was posing a serious threat to wildlife.

The former Deputy Governor of Kitui also encouraged member states to allocate more resources to deal with challenges related to wildlife.

Malonza succeeded Rodney Sikumba, the Minister for Tourism of the Republic of Zambia.

Prior to her election, she had served as the Vice-President of the Lusaka Agreement Governing Council.

Attorney General Justin Muturi applauded the new resolutions, stating they were instrumental in enhancing the progress made since the Lusaka Agreement was established.

He highlighted significant achievements such as the arrest and prosecution of over 100 major criminals involved in wildlife trade, successfully disrupting illegal international wildlife trafficking.

He also mentioned the successful recovery of various wildlife specimens like ivory, rhino horns, pangolin scales, primates, reptiles, and birds.