By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Peace and Unity Commission (MPUC), in partnership with Blantyre City Council (BCC) and various stakeholders, is set to establish City Peace and Unity Committees in preparation for the 2025 general elections. These committees are aimed at maintaining peace and unity in urban areas, particularly in cities identified as potential hotspots for unrest.
During a sensitization meeting held at the BCC offices, MPUC Commissioner Zacc Kawalala highlighted the importance of these committees in preventing violence and promoting harmony. He noted that the committees will play a key role in providing early warning information to address conflicts and ensure law and order without resorting to the use of force or weapons. “Blantyre, like the other three cities, was identified as a crime hotspot; hence, the need to establish peace and unity committees at a local level,” said Kawalala.
The committees will work closely with local authorities and communities to foster dialogue, mediate conflicts, and build trust among residents as Malawi approaches the election period. The initiative aims to create a proactive approach to peacebuilding, particularly in areas vulnerable to electoral tensions.
BCC Deputy Mayor Isaac Jomo Osman echoed the need for swift action in forming the committees, stating that they will be crucial in maintaining peace in Blantyre. “We must act urgently to establish these committees to ensure that Blantyre remains peaceful and united during this critical period,” Osman remarked.
The establishment of the City Peace and Unity Committees is part of a broader effort to safeguard Malawi’s peace and stability as the nation heads into the 2025 elections, ensuring that any potential issues are addressed at the grassroots level before they escalate.
