By: Steve Chirombo

Dedza, June 13, Mana: The Department of Peace and National Unity in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, has called on the youths in Dedza district to be agents of peace as the country heads towards general elections.

Peace and Conflict Management Officer for the department, Florencia Mtingwi, told Malawi News Agency (MANA), in an interview on Thursday at the end of youth networks engagement meeting that they wanted to deliberate and discuss on the role of youths in peace and security especially on early warning and early response on conflict issues.

“You are aware that we are nearing the elections and youths are normally used as tools to initiate violence but with our 2063 Agenda on mindset change pillar, we are looking at youths as agents of peace,” she said.

Mtingwi expressed hope that through the engagement, young people will be empowered to report and respond early to prevent the escalation of violence in the district. She added that for decades, youth have been excluded from discussions on peace and security.

She further stated that her department plans to conduct more training sessions for the youth, so they can effectively advocate for peace and security in their communities.

“Youths have a significant role in ensuring that peace and security is promoted nationwide and we need to act now by rising up to promote peace and security agenda in the country.

“We call upon all youths as we are going closer to the elections to ensure they are not involved in any kind of violence instead they should be the agents of peace and ensure that the electoral processes are peaceful,” she emphasized.

Eleson Mwachande, Youth Network Chairperson from Senior Chief Kachindamoto, described the engagement as crucial saying since time immemorial, youths have been used to incite violence but hoped for the better as they will spread peace and unity among communities and their fellow youths.

On his part, Luka Chikaponya, Youth Network Chairperson from Inkosi Kamenyagwaza, said they will take lead in solving violence and also ensure equal participation not only in community issues but also in electoral processes.

Dedza District Council Youth Officer, Twesa Mwamlima, hailed officials from both the department of peace, unity and culture as well as the National Youth Council of Malawi for organizing the engagement meeting with youth networks from all the eight Traditional Authorities (T/As) in the district.

“As Dedza, we already do well in peace and unity which is our hope that these engagements will help us continue with the spirit.

“Knowing that violence does not only occur during elections, we expect our youths to spread the message across their areas to ensure peace and unity as we continue with our collaborative efforts for the same,” emphasized Mwamlima.