In a significant step toward deepening Malawi’s peace and unity framework, the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission (MPUC) and the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on conflict resolution, national dialogue, and social cohesion.
The MoU was signed during a ceremony in Lilongwe, attended by government officials, civil society, religious leaders, and international partners.
MPUC Chairperson Bishop Mary Nkosi and PAC Chair Monsignor Dr. Patrick Thawale hailed the agreement as a formal affirmation of the two institutions’ shared mission of promoting peace in Malawi.
Established under the Peace and Unity Act of 2022, MPUC is tasked with coordinating national peacebuilding efforts.
The PAC, a quasi-religious civic body formed in 1992, has played a crucial mediating role during national crises, including political disputes and religious tensions.
“This MoU is more than just a document—it is a living commitment to sustainable peace,” said Bishop Nkosi. Dr. Thawale added that the agreement formalizes collaboration that has evolved since 2013 and comes at a critical time as Malawi prepares for the 2025 elections.
Under the agreement, MPUC will support PAC’s mediation efforts with technical expertise while PAC will integrate MPUC into grassroots peace programs.
Both parties pledged non-partisanship, transparency, and joint action at national and district levels.
The partnership is also backed by the United Nations and its Peacebuilding Fund, with agencies like UNDP, UN Women, and UNFPA supporting the development of Malawi’s peace architecture.
As political tensions rise, the MoU is expected to strengthen coordination and reduce conflict through unified, community-driven solutions. “Our work has only just begun,” said Bishop Nkosi. “We must now walk the talk—together.”
