By Dorica Mtenje
LILONGWE(MaraviPost)-Following the successful mediation and conflict resolution processes that preceded lengthy brutal fights at Lusa villagers, Minister of unity ,Timothy Mtambo in collaboration with UNDP facilities the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between people of Mchinji and Lusa estate land disputes.
Mtambo said Lusa estate peace was disturbed on an issue that could have been amicably resolved without the destruction of property or injuries of people.
He said it is sad that the conflict got out of hand thereby distracting people from doing things that could help in developing not only their households and communities, but the nation at large.
The minister said with the MOU the people that settled at Lusa Estate from Kasungu District are suppose to integrate with the people around the estate to help in developing the area.
The two sides have one common denominator which is being Malawian and in so doing achieving a unified Malawi which will bring about national development.
He said his Ministry in collaboration with UNDP under the Social Cohesion Project intervened to facilitate amicable resolution is in line with its mandate of promoting peaceful coexistence and national unity among Malawians.
Mtambo added that as part of the process, the ministry facilitated a number of community engagements between community leaders and affected groups to make sure that all the concerned parties were reached out for an amicable resolution to the conflict.
UNDP Resident Representative Shigeki Komatsubara said the peace agreement ceremony between communities of Lusa Estate gives testimony to shared values of peace and co-existence which is a foundation for meaningful development and conquering the challenges faced in communities.
Komatsubara said shared problems can only be resolved through dialogue and shared interest to better ourselves as we all depend on each other for our existence.
Towards 2021 more violent conflict ensued among settlers between a group that called itself A somanje and the other called Aboma due to misunderstanding on leadership and land wrangles.
