A meeting between government and Truck Drivers Union of Malawi yesterday agreed that haulers, including those carrying fuel stuck at Mozambican borders, should be allowed into this country.
Cargo movement froze from last week as truck drivers travelling to and from Mozambique parked their vehicles until authorities from both countries moved to stop attacks and robberies against Malawi-bound trucks, tankers and their drivers.
Yesterday’s meeting provided the security guarantees the truck drivers wanted, according to representatives from both sides.
In an interview yesterday, the union’s vice-president Francis Mkandawire confirmed that a meeting was held with officials from ministries of Transport and Foreign Affairs, Malawi Police Service as well as National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma).
The government team included Ministry of Transport and Public Works Principal Secretary for Administration Madalo Nyambose, Inspector General of Police Merlyn Yolamu and Nocma chief executive officer Clement Kanyama.
Mkandawire said following the agreement, the union will issue instructions so that over 130 trucks and fuel tankers stuck at the Mozambican borders of Zobue and Calomue start entering Malawi.
He said during the meeting, government officials were particularly concerned that fuel tankers were stuck at the borders for over a week now.
Said Mkandawire: “We have resolved that all trucks coming into Malawi should be let in. We want this process to start today. But we will be waiting for security assurance for over 200 trucks that are at Mwanza and Dedza borders, going to Mozambique.”
Ministry of Transport spokesperson Watson Maingo said they agreed that representatives from the meeting should assure drivers at the borders that diplomatic processes are underway to restore security.
He said: “We have also assured those travelling to Mozambique that they can resume work. One of the options available is the use of an escort to make the roads safe.
“We assured them that everything we discussed has also been communicated to our counterparts in Mozambique. Engagement between the two countries has been ongoing and action is being taken.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday that Mozambican authorities have intensified security patrols to deal with thugs terrorising truck drivers on the roads, especially in Tete Province.
A statement from the ministry dated March 23 2025 said patrols have been launched in Moatize town, Mameme 1 and Mameme 2, Kapilizabji and Musacama where Malawian and other foreign drivers are being attacked by unknown assailants.
The ministry said the Government of Malawi has been engaging Mozambique through various channels to resolve the situation urgently.
The statement said the Malawi Government has also engaged the Malawi Consulate in Tete to continue monitoring the situation in Moatize.
“Malawian motorists passing through Tete Province in Mozambique who find themselves in insecure situations should report to any nearest police station.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue monitoring the situation in Mozambique and constantly update members of the public on the matter,” reads the statement in part.
