Malawi Peace and Unity Commission

13/02/2026

MPUC and African Peacemaking Database (APD) explore strategic collaboration to strengthen peacebuilding in Malawi

The Commission and the African Peacemaking Database (APD) have engaged in a series of strategic discussions to explore areas of collaboration aimed at strengthening peacebuilding efforts in Malawi. The engagements focused on enhancing conflict resolution approaches by integrating indigenous philosophical and traditional peacebuilding practices to promote sustainable peace within communities.

During a meeting involving the Commission, APD, and UNDP Malawi, APD International Director, Seth Kinzie, shared insights into APD’s ongoing work documenting indigenous knowledge systems and traditional conflict resolution practices across African communities.

“Through our pilot research, we have noted that while Africans have rich peace traditions, there has never been a coordinated effort to systematically measure peace from an African perspective,” Kinzie observed.

Welcoming the initiative, the Director General of the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission (MPUC), Ali Phiri, commended APD for reaching out to the Commission and reaffirmed MPUC’s commitment to collaborate as the national coordinating body on peace and unity. He emphasized the importance of partnerships that promote knowledge sharing and community-driven peacebuilding, noting that MPUC is likely to be a key national partner for APD.

The collaboration is expected to strengthen peace and unity in Malawi through coordinated research, community-based peace initiatives, and the enhancement of early warning and early response (EWER) systems. These efforts will be implemented in collaboration with District Peace and Unity Committees (DPUCs) and Area Peace and Unity Committees (APUCs), including the promotion of the MasoAthu Platform, a digital EWER mechanism for conflict prevention.

APD’s project, which formally began in 2023 (with organizational groundwork initiated in 2021), aims to develop an African-led peace measurement framework and strengthen early warning systems through community-based research and engagement with local peace infrastructures.

APD has also indicated plans to cement and formalize partnerships with the Department of National Unity-Malawi, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust to undertake a nationwide research programme focused on integrating indigenous peacebuilding concepts into conflict management.

03/02/2026

The Malawi Peace and Unity Commission (MPUC) has made a peace pledge ahead of the country’s by-elections scheduled for 17th March 2026. Making this commitment, Director General Ali Phiri announced that the Commission will leverage District Peace and Unity Committees to engage key stakeholders, promote adherence to electoral laws, and foster peaceful electoral processes.

This initiative builds on lessons from the September 2025 General Elections, during which similar peacebuilding interventions were successfully implemented.

As with previous elections, the Commission plans to enhance the Maso Athu platform for conflict early warning and early response, working closely with partners to ensure peaceful elections throughout the entire process. MPUC’s approach focuses on public sensitisation, peace messaging, and timely resolution of conflicts that may arise during the electoral period.

MPUC continues to advance peace and unity in Malawi through strategic partnerships and has signed Memoranda of Understanding with institutions such as the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD), National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust, and the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) to strengthen coordinated peacebuilding efforts.

The by-elections will take place in four parliamentary constituencies: Nkhotakota Liwaladzi, Dedza Mtakataka, Blantyre West, and Rumphi Central.

For Local Government, by-elections will be held in the following wards: Ighembe Ward (Karonga Songwe Constituency); Luwinga Ward (Mzuzu City North Constituency); Linthembwe Ward (Dowa Ngala Constituency); Chilobwe Ward (Lilongwe Chilobwe Constituency); Msitu Ward (Mchinji South Constituency); Mikongo Ward (Mangochi North East Constituency); Chanda Ward (Zomba Chikomwe Constituency); Chirunga Ward (Zomba City North Constituency); and Muonekera Ward (Thyolo Goliati Constituency).

27/01/2026

In a move aimed at strengthening efficiency and building trust among its stakeholders, the Commission facilitated an oath-taking ceremony for its staff members and newly nominated members of the Lilongwe City Peace and Unity Committees.

In line with the provisions of the Peace and Unity Act, 2022, all individuals participating in the Commission’s work are required to take an Oath or Affirmation of Secrecy, formally committing themselves to the principles of integrity, responsibility, and professionalism in the ex*****on of their duties.

This exercise reflects the Commission’s continued commitment to ethical leadership, unity, and meaningful service to the community.

23/01/2026

As part of the ongoing sensitization on the establishment of District Peace and Unity Committees (DPUCs), the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission (MPUC) on 21 January 2026 engaged stakeholders in Ntcheu District during a sensitization meeting on the establishment of the DPUC, as provided for under the Peace and Unity Act, 2022.

Speaking on the initiative, Ntcheu District Commissioner, Francis Matewere, applauded the Commission for the timely intervention, noting that the district is grappling with several conflict-related cases due to the absence of structured and peaceful platforms for dialogue and conflict resolution.

Mr. Matewere further observed that su***de cases among men have recently been on the rise, an indication that many lack appropriate platforms to express their challenges. He expressed confidence that once established, the DPUC will develop strategies that promote peace, unity, and social cohesion in the district.

Senior Chief Inkosi Champiti also welcomed the initiative and urged the Commission to expedite the process so that DPUC interventions can quickly cascade to the grassroots level, where most conflicts occur.

The Malawi Peace and Unity Commission is mandated by the Peace and Unity Act to establish Peace and Unity Committees in every local government area. To date, the Commission has successfully operationalised committees in 10 local government areas across the country.

21/01/2026

20 January 2026 marked an important milestone for the Lilongwe City Peace Unity Committee (CPUC) as the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission (MPUC) engaged the committee in its first working session since its establishment.

Speaking during the meeting, MPUC Director General Mr. Ali Phiri reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the full operationalization of the Lilongwe CPUC, emphasizing the need to ensure sustainable peace and unity in the city.

He further noted that the Commission expects the Lilongwe CPUC to serve as a model for other City Peace Unity Committees across the country.

Mr. Imtiazbeg Mirza, Chairperson of the Lilongwe CPUC, expressed his gratitude to the Commission for hosting and engaging the committee at its premises.

He pledged the committee’s dedication to operating in line with its code of conduct as enshrined in the Peace and Unity Act.

During the working session, the Commission provided technical and strategic guidance on the development of the committee’s budget and annual work plans as key steps towards strengthening effective service delivery.

19/01/2026

MPUC engages Mzuzu City Council on the need to facilitate the appointment of the City Peace and Unity Committee in building up peaceful, resilient and strong cities

In it's remarks, the Chief Executive Officer for the Council, Gomezgani Nyasulu applauds the Commission for the gesture and he observes that this indicates Commission commitment towards fostering peace in the country.

Nyasulu also promised the Commission that the City Council will fast track the process of nominating candidates in line with the Peace and Unity Act laid down procedures.

The interface meeting, is one of the Commission planned activities of sensitizing councils on the need for the establishment of peace and unity committees in all local government areas in Malawi.

21/10/2025

10/10/2025

25/09/2025

Congratulations to President-Elect Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika! May your leadership bring unity, peace, and progress to Malawi. 🇲🇼

22/09/2025

Peace is not just the absence of conflict — it is the presence of justice, fairness, and unity. May this election season be a true reflection of our commitment to a peaceful future. 🗳️🤝

20/09/2025

Press Statement from the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission.

The Malawi Peace and Unity Commission extends heartfelt gratitude to all Malawians for the peaceful, responsible, and united spirit shown during the 2025 General Elections.

As we await the official results from the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), let us continue to stand together in patience, calm, and unity safeguarding the peace that defines us as a nation.

Malawi is stronger when we choose peace, respect, and the rule of law.