Lilongwe asked to facilitate dialogue in Maputo
Mozambicans fleeing unrests in their country
Civil Society Organizations are urging the Malawi Government to facilitate dialogue in neighboring Mozambique amidst the political unrest to ease the tension.
The unrest came following a top court ruling confirming the governing party Frelimo’s victory in an October election which prompted massive protests by opposition groups who say the vote was rigged.
Statistics show that Malawi has received over 13,000 refugees from Mozambique, the majority of the refugees comprising of women and children.
Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) and the National Advocacy Platform (NAP) believe facilitation of dialogue is the first step that can help deal with the situation.
Michael Kaiyatsa, the HRDC executive director, said there is a need to engage fellow SADC member states to strategize and come up with solutions to help the coastal country deal with the situation.
“I think the Malawi government should join efforts with countries like South Africa that have offered to provide a space for dialogue. Our countries must join in those efforts to ensure that a lasting solution should be found.”
“And a position that Malawi should put forward is for a power-sharing deal to end the crisis,” Kaiyatsa said.
NAP executive director Benedicto Kondowe suggests that the government should further engage the African Union if solutions are not made.
Kondowe said: “It is important. If this Malawian head of state initiates such a process, even if the African Union may eventually be expected to play some role within the AU framework.”
The fleeing Mozambicans have been pouring in through the border in southern Malawi through the Nsanje border, a situation which has raised fears about security and pressure on resources.
Meanwhile, Kondowe further stressed the import of the move saying: “So I think we have a crucial role also learning from how the previous virus has affected us.”
Critics have also tipped Malawians to pay close attention and draw lessons from the incidents happening in the neighboring Mozambique ahead of the September 16 general polls.
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