Malawi, Mozambique prioritise terrorism fight
Minister of Defence Harry Mkandawire says the 15th Session of the Malawi-Mozambique Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security has resolved to prioritise fighting terrorism, which is a global concern.
Speaking at the end of the session held from June 28 to 30 in Blantyre, the minister said looking at the achievements made since last year’s session, the two have reduced terrorism in Mozambique.
He said: “Our colleagues from Mozambique shared information with us that some terrorists from North Africa are passing through Malawi to cause trouble in Mozambique, but now we have almost sealed the border, especially in the North.
“We are prioritising the fight against terrorism. It is a global concern that each country should fight terrorism. Apart from terrorism, we are looking at cross-border illegal trading, smuggling of goods that could have bought us forex.”
His counterpart, Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale Ng’oma said it is important for Malawi to support the fight against terrorism.
He said: “Terrorism destabilises peace and brings with it illicit trade, cybercrime and cross-border illegal transactions and a lot other disturbances for many economies.”
On his part, Mozambique’s Defence Minister Cristovao Chume said the Islamist insurgency in the northern province of Cabo Delgado have stabilised, thanks to the collaboration with the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Mission in Mozambique and the Rwandan Defence and Security Forces.
He said Malawi should not be worried about terrorist concerns.
Terrorists linked to Al Shabab have killed hundreds of people in the Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique and displaced thousands of others since 2017.
The rebel also captured the key port town of Mocimboa da Praia in that country.
Last year, the Sadc Extraordinary Summit approved a framework for support to Mozambique in addressing terrorism. The plan, among other things, sought to provide humanitarian support to the affected population and uplift their living standards. The session was attended by security agents in defence, police, and immigration.
