Malawi and Mozambique have resolved to strengthen their security cooperation to tackle emerging threats. The two countries face common security challenges, including illicit firearms, terrorism, human trafficking, and organised crime. These threats have become increasingly prevalent, necessitating joint efforts to address them effectively. The agreement was reached during the Malawi-Mozambique Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security meeting in Blantyre.
The meeting, attended by representatives of security agencies and relevant government ministries from both countries, aims to foster cooperation in addressing shared security challenges. Inspector General of Malawi Police Richard Luhanga and Mozambique Deputy Commander General of Police Aquilasse Kapangula Manda co-chaired the meeting. They emphasised the need for joint training initiatives, intelligence-sharing, and coordinated operations to strengthen preparedness and build trust between security institutions.
Porous borders and the movement of illicit firearms across the region are significant concerns for both countries. Luhanga cited abductions, cybercrime, human trafficking, wildlife crime, and complex transnational organised crime as threats that cannot be effectively addressed single-handedly. He stressed the importance of harmonised operational standards and shared exercises to enhance security cooperation.
The discussions come amid growing concerns about the movement of illegal firearms in the region and their potential to fuel violent crime in Malawi. Recently, police arrested two Mozambicans at Kamuzu Bridge Roadblock in Chikwawa District and recovered an AK-47, two pistols, and a Heckler and Koch firearm. This incident highlights the need for joint efforts to combat the proliferation of illicit firearms.
Manda outlined the security situation in Mozambique, highlighting threats posed by terrorism and insurgency, organised cross-border crime, human trafficking, and weaknesses in border control. Insurgent activity in northern Mozambique has spread towards Niassa Province, raising security concerns along the country’s borders with neighbouring states, including Malawi.
The security situation in Mozambique’s northern provinces has deteriorated, with recorded security incidents increasing by 28 percent between the first and third quarters of 2026. Incidents rose from 192 in the first quarter to 213 in the second and 245 in the third quarter. This escalation underscores the need for enhanced cooperation between Malawi and Mozambique to address shared security challenges.
The Malawi-Mozambique Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security meeting will run until Thursday, focusing on strengthening cooperation in addressing shared security challenges. The meeting’s outcomes are expected to enhance security cooperation between the two countries and help combat emerging threats effectively.
Key points
- Malawi and Mozambique have agreed to enhance cross-border security cooperation to address common threats such as illicit firearms, terrorism, and human trafficking.
- The two countries face common security challenges, including porous borders and the movement of illicit firearms.
- The meeting aims to foster cooperation in addressing shared security challenges and enhance security cooperation between Malawi and Mozambique.
