Malawi has hailed the peaceful coexistence which it continues to enjoy with its neighbours in the promotion of peace and security.
Malawi’s Deputy High Commissioner to Zambia, Pontius Elijah Kalichero was speaking at Mchinji – Mwami Border Post during the exchange of convicted persons between Malawi and Zambia. He said the exercise has helped in deepening the ties between the two sister nations.
Kalichero said the initiative to exchange the inmates is a clear indication of good bilateral ties between Malawi and Zambia, as it will allow the prisoners to serve their sentences in their countries of origin. He said the Mission in Zambia is happy to be facilitating the repatriation of the inmates after committing various offences across the borders.
Malawi Prison Service Commissioner responsible for operations and security services, Aaron Kaunda, said the exercise is in line with what the Malawi government is promoting in the prison service, where the inmates are being equipped with various technical skills.
He said the skills are needed to benefit their countries, and by serving the sentences in their respective countries, it gives hope to the inmates and their relatives.
Zambia Correctional Service Director of Operations, Deputy Commissioner Assaby Hamaleya, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of rehabilitation and skill-building as part of inmate reintegration into society.
Currently, Malawi has 16,000 inmates in its 29 prison facilities, with 500 foreigners, many of them being Ethiopians.
