Malawians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa could soon see renewed diplomatic intervention, as Malawi and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are engaging the South African government to address the situation and protect those affected.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation George Chaponda said South Africa will send a special envoy to Malawi, while SADC is preparing to dispatch a delegation to South Africa to assess the situation on the ground and engage relevant authorities as regional efforts to end the attacks gather momentum.
Chaponda made the remarks in Parliament while responding to calls from Leader of Opposition Simplex Chithyola Banda for government to intensify efforts to protect Malawians affected by the attacks.
“President Ramaphosa has mentioned to our President that he is sending a special envoy to look at this issue,” Chaponda said.
The minister said government had already started diplomatic engagements with South Africa, including summoning the South African ambassador after reports that Malawians had been killed during the attacks.
Chaponda said Malawi, through its role in the SADC Troika, will support regional efforts to address the crisis. President Arthur Peter Mutharika chairs the SADC Troika at Heads of State level, while Chaponda chairs the grouping at ministerial level.
“SADC will send a special envoy, a special committee, to go to South Africa to look at the whole issue of xenophobia,” Chaponda said.
His response followed concerns raised by Chithyola Banda, who called for stronger bilateral engagements between Malawi and South Africa and support for Malawians affected by the violence.
“We need bilateral talks between the ministries of Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs where they can reach an amicable solution,” Chithyola Banda said.
Chithyola Banda said Malawi’s historical ties with South Africa, including the contribution of Malawians to the country’s economy and liberation struggle, should be considered in addressing the crisis.
Lilongwe Mpenu MP Eisenhower Mkaka said Malawians in South Africa have made important economic contributions and their plight requires urgent attention.
“The contribution of our brothers and sisters facing this tragedy cannot be underrated,” Mkaka said.
Mkaka said African countries must work together to address economic challenges that force citizens to seek opportunities outside their borders.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation George Chaponda said South Africa will send a special envoy to Malawi, while SADC is preparing to dispatch a delegation to South Africa to assess the situation on the ground and engage relevant authorities as regional efforts to end the attacks gather momentum.
Chaponda made the remarks in Parliament while responding to calls from Leader of Opposition Simplex Chithyola Banda for government to intensify efforts to protect Malawians affected by the attacks.
“President Ramaphosa has mentioned to our President that he is sending a special envoy to look at this issue,” Chaponda said.
The minister said government had already started diplomatic engagements with South Africa, including summoning the South African ambassador after reports that Malawians had been killed during the attacks.
Chaponda said Malawi, through its role in the SADC Troika, will support regional efforts to address the crisis. President Arthur Peter Mutharika chairs the SADC Troika at Heads of State level, while Chaponda chairs the grouping at ministerial level.
“SADC will send a special envoy, a special committee, to go to South Africa to look at the whole issue of xenophobia,” Chaponda said.
His response followed concerns raised by Chithyola Banda, who called for stronger bilateral engagements between Malawi and South Africa and support for Malawians affected by the violence.
“We need bilateral talks between the ministries of Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs where they can reach an amicable solution,” Chithyola Banda said.
Chithyola Banda said Malawi’s historical ties with South Africa, including the contribution of Malawians to the country’s economy and liberation struggle, should be considered in addressing the crisis.
Lilongwe Mpenu MP Eisenhower Mkaka said Malawians in South Africa have made important economic contributions and their plight requires urgent attention.
“The contribution of our brothers and sisters facing this tragedy cannot be underrated,” Mkaka said.
Mkaka said African countries must work together to address economic challenges that force citizens to seek opportunities outside their borders.
