AU head Boni Yayi for peaceful end to Lake Malawi wrangle

LILONGWE -African Union (AU) Chairman, Dr. Thomas Boni Yayi on Tuesday said it was his wish that the wrangle between Malawi and Tanzania over the lake ends peacefully.

He said the AU will try all its best to ensure that there is a peaceful resolution and mutual understanding between both Malawi and Tanzania.

“I was informed about the dispute and the efforts made by both countries. Today, I am glad to report that my sister has told me the positive progress on the issue and it is my hope that this issue will end peacefully,” Yayi said.

The Benin President assured President Banda to use his trip to Tanzania to persuade the Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete to look at the issue with sober mind.

“From here I’m going straight to Tanzania where I will also have discussion with my brother Kikwete and while there I will send similar message. We need peace, we need unity and we need stability in the continent,” Yayi said.

The Malawi leader informed the AU Chair that Malawi is a peaceful country hence all the efforts being made to find a lasting solution over the wrangle.

“We can’t prosper if there is instability in the continent. We have had meetings with Tanzanians at different forums and now we have involved the retired President of Mozambique to mediate,” Banda said.

However, the Malawi leader said should all efforts fail; she is ready to take the issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“I wish to report that should the agreement fail to be reached despite involving former Mozambican, I will take the matter to the ICJ,” Banda said.

Benin President Dr Thomas Boni Yayi who is AU Chairperson with President Joyce Banda-