Malawi and Mozambique Formalize Agreement for Joint Military Exercises
Civil society organizations commend this initiative as a significant advancement in the battle against human trafficking in both nations.
On Thursday, Malawi and Mozambique entered into an agreement that facilitates joint military exercises and patrol operations between the two nations.
This initiative is focused on addressing cross-border drug and human trafficking, receiving praise from civil society groups who describe it as a “significant advancement.”
Monica Ching’anamuno signed the joint agreement, Malawi’s Minister of Defense, and Cristovao Chume, her Mozambican counterpart, in Maputo during the 16th session of the Mozambique-Malawi Permanent Joint Commission on Defense and Security (CCPDS).
The plan has been endorsed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance defense and security throughout southern Africa while tackling cross-border criminal activities.
During the signing event, officials from both nations attributed the increase in human trafficking to poverty and economic desperation prevalent in their countries.
“This agreement will ensure that both nations can effectively combat human trafficking and other crimes with determination, utilizing existing legislative frameworks,” stated Ching’anamuno.
Rodrick Mulonya, chairperson of the Malawi Network Against Trafficking in Persons, conveyed to Anadolu that despite ongoing efforts to address this issue domestically, circumstances have escalated to “alarming levels.”
“This agreement marks a significant step forward in our fight against human trafficking. However, achieving success requires unified efforts. There is an urgent need for closer collaboration not only between these two countries but also among all member states within the SADC region. A multi-sectoral approach must be enforced,” he emphasized.
Mulonya noted that poverty and urgent economic demands have created conditions conducive to worsening situations within southern Africa.
“Desperate individuals are often attracted by misleading promises of improved living conditions that ultimately prove illusory,” he remarked.
As reported by Africa Legal Aid, every SADC member state has established anti-trafficking legislation. Nonetheless, the organization points out that human trafficking persists in the region due to widespread poverty and insufficient access to effective implementation strategies.
