Tanzania – Malawi agree to peaceful lake resolve at ICJ

Malawi and Tanzania will engage the International Court of Justice (ICJ)  to amicably resolve the ongoing Lake Malawi border issue should they be dissatisfied by recommendations made by mediators, former Heads of State and Government Sadc Forum.

Foreign affairs and international cooperation minister, Ephraim Mganda Chiume told delegates at the 9th Southern Africa Civil Society Forum at Crossroads Hotel that Malawi commends its Tanzanian brothers and sisters for their gesture that the matter can be referred to the ICJ.

“This shows commitment by Tanzania to have this matter resolved peacefully. We as Malawi again will not comment more now as we have full trust of the ex Sadc leaders to resolve the matter by September 30,” he said.

He also elaborated why Malawi shares part of its lake with Mozambique and not Tanzania.

Chiume: Matter will be referred to ICJ
Chiume: Matter will be referred to ICJ

“In 1891 the Malawi – Mozambique border was similarly on the shoreline under a British – Portuguese treaty but was amended three years later to share the lake and part of Mozambican land. Unfortunatelythis did not happen in the case of the British – German treaty on the Malawi – Tanzania shoreline,” he explained.

The meeting is taking place on the sides of the 33rd Sadc Heads of State and Government Summit.

Other issues for discussion include election processes in Zimbabwe which just took place on 31st July amidst Sadc’s four years of intervention to find solutions for peace, stability and prosperity, in Madagascar which are hoped soon to be democratic, Swaziland which are slated next month September, and in Malawi on Tuesday 20th May next year.

Chiume actually promised government would not interfere with the work of the Malawi Electoral Commission and welcomed all to come back to Malawi to observe the process and actual polls.

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