BLANTYRE (MaraviPost)–Outgoing Tanzanian High Commissioner to Malawi Patrick Tsere has assured President Peter Mutharika that his people will never go to war with Malawi over the Lake Malawi border issue.
According to Tsere, although people from both sides hold the view that they all have a share on the lake, the issue need to be discussed soberly so that they reach a common understanding.
He was speaking at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre when where he bade farewell to Mutharika following completion of his five-year term as High Commissioner for Tanzania.
“Tanzanians know that Malawians love the lake very much. But we also need to be aware that the border issue has been under discussion since 1967,” he disclosed.
Tsere added that the matter only came to light after late Bingu WA Mutharika and all hell broke loose.
“Tanzania and Malawi have always been talking about this issue but the talks were done quietly. But we have always believed in talking not excessive use of words or thinking about going to war.”
“Others were even up in arms, asking why the issue came to light only after Bingu’s death, no, we didn’t even bring it up then, it has a historical process and we were only following up on history,” he added.
He therefore encouraged Malawians and Tanzanians not to fear of a possible conflict due to a disagreement over the border issue.
“Even the statement that “the issue of the lake is not negotiable” is not a hostile statement.” It’s what Malawi feels and we respect that.”
The outgoing Tanzanian High Commissioner further said the two leaders are still in touch with the mediator and they seem to be agreeing with the mediator and will soon come to a common conclusion.
“But I can assure you that Tanzania can never go to war with Malawi. We can’t even imagine that we can shoot each other. We are cousins. It’s unthinkable for Tanzania to go to war with Malawi.”
He then advised Malawi and Tanzania to continue having good relations with each other and also work at improving any slight difference they might have.
He also took time to commend the Malawi leader for implementing policies which are aimed at improving the livelihood of Malawians.
Tsere said during his five-year stay in Malawi he was able to follow the country’s political system and events.
He said although there were some political challenges through the transition period, the current administration is creating an impression that things will change for the better.
“Despite facing some resistance and some economic challenges that the country is going through, the Mutharika administration is keen on seeing its people out of economic bondage,” he said.
He said despite the country having political challenges, President Mutharika has put in place policies that will transform the lives of many Malawians.
