Malawi, Tanzania mediation talks hailed

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Mutharika, Magufuli

One of the country’s political commentators has hailed the resumption of mediation talks between Malawi and Tanzania over the longstanding Lake Malawi dispute saying it is a huge step towards resolving the dispute.

Malawi government last week participated in the mediation talks on the Lake Malawi boundary dispute with Tanzania which took place in South Africa.

In an interview with Malawi24, political commentator Wonderful Mkhutche said the talks are necessary and at this stage, Malawi has to take part.

Wonderful Mkhutche
Wonderful Mkhutche: These talks are very important.

“This is an advanced and a diplomatic mutual talk. Delegates from the two countries will provide their case to the mediators. But at the centre of everything are two presidents from Malawi and Tanzania.

“Malawi has maintained the stand that the lake is within its boundaries. The President has taken a tough stand on that. This has helped in shaping the argument to Malawi’s favour. Should Malawi and Tanzania agree on the outcome, we should expect this dispute to be solved in the long run,” he said.

He added that it depends on what will come out of the mediation process but said the two countries have sent highly powered delegations which means the talks are going to cover a lot of issues.

Mkhutche noted that resources have been at the centre of most conflicts and the Lake Malawi dispute should not be overlooked claiming such kind of conflicts easily escalate.

The High Level Mediation Team (HLMT) led by His Excellency Joaquim Chissano former President of Mozambique, and His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, former President of South Africa is facilitating the talks.

The Malawi delegation was led by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Honourable Francis Kasaila. The group included Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Honourable Samuel Tembenu and other senior government officials.

Having heard from both delegations, the HLMT proposed that it should brief and consult Presidents Peter Mutharika and John Magufuli, for their Excellencies’ further guidance on the resolution.