Govt planning to establish Peace Architecture Commission
Government has disclosed it is planning to establish a Peace Architecture Commission, which will be tasked to facilitate smooth and constructive dialogue where differences arise between the State and the civil society.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Samuel Tembenu said this in Lilongwe on Thursday when he opened a three-day training in collaborative leadership and dialogue.
Tembenu said although Malawi has never experienced war, it is imperative that structures are put in place to prevent conflicts through dialogue among people with dissenting views.
Said the minister: “The absence of war in our country doesn’t necessarily mean we don’t have issues amongst ourselves. Therefore, effective collaboration and dialogue are key to the achievement and maintenance of peace.”
Tembenu further disclosed that government is putting in place a framework for promoting peaceful means of resolving conflicts.
He said the framework includes the development of the National Peace Policy and the establishment of institutions at district and national levels.
United Nations (UN) resident coordinator Mia Seppo said the prevailing social and economic hardships Malawians are facing have the potential to bring tensions into the country.
Seppo said it is therefore important to create an environment permitting collaboration and dialogue.
She pledged that her organisation will continue providing financial and technical support towards Malawi’s efforts to entrench a culture of collaboration and dialogue. n
