Tanzania cannot go to war with Malawi—outgoing TZ Ambassador

We are cousins

Tanzania can never go to war with Malawi as the citizens of the two countries are cousins, Patrick Tsere, the outgoing Tanzanian High Commissioner to Malawi Patrick has said.

“Tanzania and Malawi has always been talking about this issue but the talks were done quietly. But we have always believed in talking not excessive use of words or thinking about going to war,” Tsere said.

He was speaking at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre when he bid farewell to Malawi President Peter Mutharika, at the end of his five-year term as Tanzania’s High Commissioner.

Tsere said he was concerned that the discussions came into the limelight after Bingu wa Mutharika’s death.

“Others were even up in arms, asking why the issue came to light only after Bingu’s death, no, we didn’t even bring it up then, it has a historical process and we were only following up on history,” he added.

He then informed the Malawi leader that Tanzanians know that Malawians love the lake.

“Tanzanians know that Malawians love the lake very much. But we also need to be aware that the border issue has been under discussion since 1967,” he disclosed.

Tsere encouraged Malawians and Tanzanians not to fear of a possible conflict due to a disagreement over the border issue.

“Even the statement that “the issue of the lake is not negotiable” is not a hostile statement.” It’s what Malawi feels and we respect that.”

The Tanzanian High Commissioner further said the two leaders are still in touch with the mediator and they seem to be agreeing with the mediator and will soon come to a common conclusion.

“But I can assure you that Tanzania can never go to war with Malawi. We can’t even imagine that we can shoot each other. We are cousins. It’s unthinkable for Tanzania to go to war with Malawi.”

He then advised Malawi and Tanzania to continue having good relations with each other and also work at improving any slight difference they might have.

–Mutharika leadership–

On economic front, Tsere highly commended President Mutharika for implementing policies which are improving the livelihood of Malawians.

Tsere said during his five-year stay in Malawi he was able to follow the country’s political system and events.

He said although there were some political challenges through the transition period, the current administration is keen to change things for the better.

“Despite facing some resistance and some economic challenges that the country is going through, the Mutharika administration is keen on seeing its people out of economic bondage,” he said.

He said Mutharika has put in place policies that will transform the lives of many Malawians.