By Chalo Mvula

The Ministry on National Unity has said it has finalised putting together the National Peace Policy, and, the National Unity Bill which will go before Parliament for approval . The bill is aimed to be the guiding principle of all national unity matters that arise In the country. It is the Legislation to provide for a mechanism to foster peace and unity in Malawi. Standing out  in the proposed bill is the establishment of the first ever  Malawi Peace and Unity Commission  in the country.

According to the documents that 247Malawi Media has seen, The National Peace Policy goal is to promote sustainable peace and unity in Malawi in a well coordinated, collaborative and structured manner. It is backed by the Sustainable Development Goal No. 16 which is promotion of peace, justice and strong institutions, Section 13 (l) of the Republican Constitution which covers peaceful resolution of conflicts through negotiation, good offices, mediation, conciliation, and arbitration. The policy also incorporates National Policies, including long term and medium-term development frameworks: MW2063 & MIP-1; National Security Policy, National Gender Policy, National Youth Policy, National Disability Policy and others.

The policy offers a variety of conflict resolution mechanisms, which lack proactiveness, central coordination, inclusiveness and employ predominantly traditional approaches to conflict resolution

According to the Ministry, the National Peace Policy has identified priority areas that include Establishment of inclusive and gender sensitive structures at National and District levels, Capacity in conflict prevention, management and transformation mechanisms including peace education, Provision of conflict sensitive policy advice to government and other relevant institutions.

On the Peace and Unity bill , the Ministry has said it will focus on key areas  that have been identified to be , the establishment of the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission, eSecretariat of the Commission; District Peace and Unity Committees;  Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution  Financial Provisions and Miscellaneous Provisions.

The Malawi Peace and Unity Commission (MPUC) will aim to Coordinate formulation and review of national policies on unity and peacebuilding. It will harmonize and coordinate efforts in conflict prevention, management and resolution for purpose of building sustainable peace. It will Provide guidance on conflict prevention, management and resolution to government and other bodies and Provide platform for peaceful national dialogue on social, economic and religious challenges.

The commission will be Independent, non-partisan and impartial, and not subject to the direction or control of any authority. It will be the Highest umbrella body and focal point for promotingunity, peacebuilding and use amicable conflict prevention, mgt and resolution mechanisms in Malawi.

The commission will help strengthen capacity for conflict prevention, management and resolution. It will promote understanding of values of diversity, trust, tolerance, confidence building, negotiation, mediation, dialogue and conciliation; and Monitor implementation of national policies on unity and peacebuilding.

11 members will make the commission, with  gender responsive appointments that will be made by the President.  This is composed of  3 ex-officials,2 FBO, 2 Traditional Leaders, 1 Business Community, 1 Person with Disability, 1 Youth and 1 CSO. The  Principle secretary  responsible for National Unity, Solicitor General and PS responsible for Homeland Security are the ex-official members

The members will be Subject to confirmation by Public Appointments Committee (PAC) of Parliament and Tenure of office is 4 years with eligibility for reappointment for another 4 years.

THE Peace and Unity Bill also proposes  establishemt of District peace and Unity committees (DPUCs) that will be established in all local government areas to promote unity and peacebuilding within its area of jurisdiction. These too shall be independent, non-partisan and impartial in the performance of its functions and will aim to Provide early warning on potential threats to peace and unity to defuse tension in the local government area,Organize training and other capacity building programmes on peacebuilding, including conflict prevention, management and resolution and Conduct public education and awareness programmes on peace, unity and use of non-violent means to resolve conflicts among other things

The National Unity Ministry  believes the bill will be key to peace building in Malawi by promoting  dialogue on contentious issues, Inclusiveness, Collaboration and harmonization ,Use of diplomatic/ peaceful means and coming up with Win-win solutions to all concerned parties.