Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre (MHRRC) has bemoaned increasing cases of land disputes in traditional authorities (T/As) Mlomba and Mposa in Machinga District.
The concern follows reports that about 100 cases were reported in T/A Mposa and 70 in T/A Mlomba since last year.
Three of the cases from T/A Mlomba have since been escalated to the magistrate’s court in the district.
Speaking on Friday during a monitoring visit to appreciate the impact of Mtendere Project running in T/A Mposa, MHRRC programmes officer Charles Gawani warned that the situation could escalate into further conflicts if left unaddressed.
“People are not able to cultivate because of land disputes. The floods erased boundaries, leading to people fighting over land. We urge traditional leaders to quickly resolve the disagreements,” he said.
Gawani, however, commended the role of traditional leaders, youths and community journalists in promoting peace and unity, saying their mediation efforts have helped reduce conflicts.
Group village head Chiungu attributed the mediation success to partnership with community structures in raising awareness to resolve disputes through dialogue.
“Through Mtendere Project, local leaders were empowered on how to handle disputes, which has brought peace,” he said.
Women Peace Movement chairperson Hawa Mendulo from T/A Mlomba bemoaned lack of male participation in peace-building efforts.
“Despite organising 11 peace-building meetings since November last year, only two or three men have attended. This is disappointing to our efforts in promoting peace in the community,” she said.
In response, the area’s male champion Eggs Biston said they plan to engage men on gender-based violence and peace-building initiatives.
The organisation is implementing the project in partnerships with Forum for Youth Development and Centre for Conflict Management and Women Development Affairs with funding from the Peace-building Fund through UN Women in the district.
