By NATION REPORTER
CHIEF Ishima Sankeni VI has expressed concern at the threats of the depletion of customary land among many chiefdoms not only in Zambia but across Africa which he fears is also threatening the existence of chiefdoms.
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Chief Ishima Sankeni is among the delegates gathered at the 5th Conference on Land Policy (CLPA) being held at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Chief Ishima Sankeni made a significant contribution to a plenary session on “Land Governance, Regional Integration, and Intra-Africa Trade: Opportunities and Challenges.”
In his submission, Chief Ishima Sankeni VI addressed critical issues affecting effective land governance across the continent which he says is threatening the existence of the traditional ruler-ship.
He highlighted the imminent threat posed by the depletion of customary land, emphasising that it is a significant challenge to the existence of traditional leaders throughout Africa.
Chief Ishima Sankeni VI said: “The freedom and ruler-ship of traditional leaders are enshrined in the resources they govern, particularly the customary land. If we take away the land, we risk losing the very essence of the traditional ruler-ship.”
He stressed the vital connection between a robust land governance and the success of intra-Africa trade.
He explained: “For intra-Africa trade to thrive, we must strengthen land governance systems and ensure their inclusivity. The well-being of our communities and the success of trade partnerships hinge on the responsible management and equitable distribution of our land resources.”
Chief Ishima Sankeni VI’s presence and insightful contributions at the CLPA underscore the critical role traditional leaders’ play in shaping discussions around land policy and governance.
He said inclusive and strengthened land governance systems often resonated as a crucial step towards sustainable development and regional integration.
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