JB hails ‘sober’ Malawi media on border dispute with Tanzania

President Joyce Banda Sunday commended journalists in the country for their professional reporting on the wrangle between Malawi and Tanzania over Lake Malawi.

The President made the commendation in Lilongwe the during press conference soon after her arrival from Mozambique saying if journalists in the country reported in the same way their counterparts in Tanzania were doing, the two countries could have been involved in a war.

“Thank you so much for articulating this story with sober minds,” President Banda said amidst applause from party supporters.

President Mrs Joyce Banda responding to questions from members of the press during the Press conference at the New State House- (2)

She further reiterated that people living along the borders of these two nations shouldn’t live in fear nor should they panic, urging Malawians to comfortably stay in their respective homes.

“Those that are living along the borders of these two countries shouldn’t fear anything as the issue won’t result in war. I met Tanzanian President, Kikwete who assured me that no war may result from this issue,” she explained.

Commenting on the Polytechnic lecturers’ strike as they demand 113 percent salary increase, President Banda said she  will look into the issue and reach a consensus with lecturers in order to resolve the stand-off, saying such issues are better resolved through dialogue.

President Banda returned home from Mozambique where she went to attend the 32nd Session of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of Southern African Development Community (SADC) which was held in Maputo, Mozambique from 17 to 18 August, 2012.

During the Summit, Banda reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to regional economic integration that aims at promoting sustainable and equitable economic development among SADC member states.

In her maiden speech at the Summit, she called for early implementation of regional infrastructure master plan that would enhance socio-economic development of SADC countries.

The Summit elected Armando Guebuza, President of Mozambique and Joyce Banda, President of Malawi as Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of SADC respectively.

The Summit also elected Jakaya Kikwete, President of Tanzania and Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of Namibia as Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the SADC Organ on politics, defence and security cooperation respectively.

SADC is an inter-governmental organization transformed from Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) on 17 August, 1992 to enhance socio-economic cooperation and integration as well as political and security cooperation among 15 Southern African states.

President Banda, Vice President Khumbo Kachali and Foreign Affairs Minister Ephraim Chiume
Party cadres at a press conference
Journalists at the news conference
Official at the press conference

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