By Elias Masamba

Phalombe, May 22, Mana: Malawi Peace and Unity Commission (MPUC) on Wednesday sensitized stakeholders in Phalombe on conflict management as one way of ensuring peace and unity ahead of September 16 tripartite election.

MPUC Commissioner, Symon Munde, urged participants to take full advantage of the training opportunity, saying this was a rare opportunity meant to provide knowledge and skills in peace building and conflict resolution.

He added that the trained participants have duty and responsibility to bring peace and harmony using the newly acquired knowledge and skills in conflict resolution within their respective communities.

“As a Commission, we believe that this training will greatly improve Phalombe District’s capacity in managing conflicts. We sincerely hope to see peace and unity committees established from village to district level to reinforce community cohesion,” said Munde, during the opening of the training.

He also appealed to leaders to make use of knowledge and skills gained from the training to sustainable use, especially as Malawi draws closer to the general election.

The 3-day training is conducted with support from OXFAM and it is expected to equip stakeholders, including youths and local leaders in the district, with knowledge and skills to manage conflicts peacefully.

Traditional Authority Phweremwe expressed gratitude to MPUC for organizing the training, saying it has provided them with fresh insights on managing conflicts in his area.

“This is a timely initiative for community leaders. We are committed to ensure that peace and unity committees are established and sustained,” he said.

Phalombe Youth Network Chairperson, Fadweck Namacha, also called on young people in the district to lead by example in maintaining peace and unity.