By Yankho Kandio

Salima, May 19, Mana: Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) has announced the launch of a new initiative called “Rise for Peace”, targeting youth in the fight against political violence ahead of the 2025 general elections.

CHRR Project Officer, Maxwell Mvula, announced the initiative during a District Executive Committee meeting on Monday, and he described the initiative as a strategic response to the risk of electoral violence.

“The goal is to mobilize the youth to work against political violence ahead of the general elections. We want to equip both peer educators and party-wing leaders on issues of peace building, conflict resolution and conflict management.” Mvula said.

Although CHRR had initially hoped to implement the project across all Salima constituencies, resource limitations have confined its scope to Salima Central, according to Mvula.

He added that that the choice of Salima Central was also informed by its status as a political hotspot.

“We already have the structures, personnel, and community networks in Salima Central, which makes it feasible to launch the project here,” he said.

The Rise for Peace project is being implemented in three districts; Salima, Karonga and Mangochi with a total budget of MWK 121.3 million, with each district allocated MK40.3 million, exclusively for activity-based expenditures.

Expected outcomes include the empowerment of youth to mitigate potential electoral crises.

 “We want to see empowered youth in Salima Central who can prevent up to 80 percent of the anticipated political and electoral violence in 2025,” said Mvula.

The project also aims to foster constructive engagement among youth across political divides, and ensure inclusive civic education.

“Young men, women, and youth with disabilities are often excluded from electoral processes. This time, we want to make sure they are fully involved in all electoral activities leading up to September 16, 2025.” he said.

District Elections Officer for Salima, Alinafe Chisenga, commended the initiative, saying violence derails electoral processes.

"We appreciate every initiative that is channeled towards raising awareness against violence during elections, what we hope is a credible electoral process," she said.

The Rise for Peace initiative marks a critical step towards peaceful and inclusive elections in Malawi.