Security experts from Malawi and Tanzania have agreed to work together in dealing with organised crimes that include human and drug trafficking and goods smuggling.
Speaking in Mzuzu City at the third security symposium between officials from the two countries, Malawi Defence Force Brigadier General Polycarp Chilangwe said fighting cross-border crime requires concerted efforts.
Chilangwe, who is leading the Malawi delegation at the symposium, said delegates will brainstorm on critical strategies that are premised on ensuring that harmony persists.
“Security challenges we face in Malawi are similar to those faced in Tanzania. We cannot deal with issues of illegal immigrants, human trafficking and smuggling of drugs and other goods minus the support of our friends in Tanzania,” Chilangwe said.
Tanzania leader of delegation Brigadier General Charlse Feruzi said the Tanzanian government is happy that their relationship with security institutions in Malawi is bearing fruits.
Feruzi said porous borders is a common problem the two countries are facing, hence they need to work together to seal the gaps.
“We cannot line up our security officers along the border to deal with cross-border crime. That is the reason we work together to ensure that our countries are safe from such crimes,” Feruzi said.
Meanwhile, Mzuzu City Mayor Gift Desire Nyirenda, who presided over the symposium, advised officials from the two countries to come up with solid mechanisms that would enhance security in the region.
Nyirenda said investors cannot establish businesses in countries that are grappling with security lapses.
“In Malawi, we have registered some cases in which people have been killed. May you take advantage of this meeting to discuss internal security issues because people want to be safe,” Nyirenda said.
The four-day symposium has attracted security experts from the military, police, prison and immigration department for the first time. A similar symposium was held in Mbeya, Tanzania.
