Public and private universities have agreed to work together in providing training, research and independent analysis on issues to do with peace, unity and conflict in the country.

The universities, which include Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (Mubas), Malawi University of Science and Technology, Catholic University of Malawi, Mzuzu University and University of Malawi, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday in Blantyre.

Mubas vice-chancellor Nancy Chitera (C) signs the MoU while Komatsubara and Chimwendo Banda look on

Speaking at the ceremony, team leader for the inter-university network for peace, unity and development, Master Dicks Mfune, said the universities will play critical role in ensuring unity.

He said: “A lot of people and civil society organisations rush to hold demonstrations when there is procedure to be followed. Even in higher learning institutions, secondary schools they have been going for demonstrations when they have issues to present to management.

“So, we want them to be trained in those issues apart from research. Actually, they are lot of conflicts in political parties and we need to come in and mediate.”

The MoU was, among others, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which has been pushing for a strengthened peace architecture in Malawi.

UNDP representative Shigeki Komatsubara said they are committed to ensuring there is peace and unity in Malawi through such initiatives.

“We support Malawi’s development agenda and the fundamental principal of our support is to ensure there is peace and prosperity in the country,” he said.

Minister of Local Government, Unity and Development Richard Chimwendo Banda said it is through such concerted efforts that Malawi can attain its aspirations.

“Peace and unity are an enabler of Malawi 2063 and with universities coming together to promote such is historical and an achievement,” he said.

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