Traditional Leaders in Karonga Urged to Tackle Conflicts Early
Traditional leaders' proactive engagement is seen as key to defusing tensions before they turn violent across the lakeshore district.
KARONGA, Malawi- Traditional leaders in Karonga district have been challenged to take a proactive approach in managing local conflicts before they escalate into violence, writes Lusekero Mhango.
Senior Chief Mwenilong'ombe made the call on Wednesday during an interface meeting held by the Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM) in conjunction with the Karonga District Peace and Unity Committee.
"Do not wait for issues in the communities to accelerate to violence as most of the conflicts which we have here can be prevented if we chiefs take a proactive role and deal with them at the earliest possible stage," Mwenilong'ombe told the gathering of chiefs from his area and Senior Traditional Authority Wasambo.
He further advised traditional leaders to avoid corrupt practices when mediating disputes, noting corruption contributes to increased conflicts among disagreeing parties.
Representatives from Wasambo cited overpopulation and land shortages as drivers of a high number of land disputes recorded there between 2022-2024, with 17 cases registered according to district statistics.
"This increase in population has left a shortage of land for the communities to cultivate, which has resulted in land grabbing by others, hence the conflicts," explained Limited Kabughe from Principal Group Village Headman Chimphinga's area.
Fumbanani Mwale, EAM's Advocacy Officer in Karonga, said chiefs are central to resolving community issues like witchcraft accusations and land conflicts, hence their need to wield influence for lasting peace.
With German funder Bread for the World's support, EAM implements a project in Karonga and Mchinji called Churches United for Peace and Justice and Electoral Governance aimed at promoting conflict resolution.
Traditional leaders' proactive engagement is seen as key to defusing tensions before they turn violent across the lakeshore district.