As Malawi approaches the 2025 General Elections, the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission (MPUC) has unveiled a five-year strategic plan and a communication strategy to guide its operations from 2024 to 2029.
Speaking at the launch event held in Lilongwe on Thursday, Deputy Minister of Local Government, Joyce Chitsulo, described the two documents as critical tools in preparing the nation for the elections.
“The government is committed to ensuring that Malawians remain peaceful and united, regardless of their ethnic, religious, political, or other differences,” Chitsulo emphasized.
She noted that since its inception, the MPUC had been operating without a clear framework, limiting its ability to achieve desired outcomes. Chitsulo highlighted the need for improved communication capabilities to enhance the commission’s visibility, foster conflict prevention, and strengthen partnerships in peacebuilding efforts. She urged the commission to align its future activities with the newly established strategies.
Impi Bishop Mary Nkosi, Chairperson of the Commission, expressed optimism about the launch of the documents, which she described as pivotal to sustaining peace and unity in Malawi.
“These documents provide a clear roadmap for the commission’s work, setting specific goals and targets to be achieved by 2029,” Nkosi said. She added that the strategies emphasize core values such as independence, integrity, respect for human dignity, impartiality, and inclusivity.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) representative Shadrack Omol underscored the importance of the plans as the elections draw closer, calling on the MPUC to implement proactive measures to address potential sources of tension and manage disputes effectively.
Omol also commended Malawi’s progress toward meeting the UN’s New Agenda for Peace, which prioritizes peace promotion and conflict prevention as part of global peace efforts.
The strategic plan and communication strategy are expected to guide the MPUC in promoting a culture of peace, preventing violent conflicts, and fostering unity across the country in the coming years.