The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Richard Chakupaleza Chikoko Luhanga, has chaired the Public Security Committee at the 17th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security (JPCDS) between Malawi and Mozambique.
The five-day bilateral meeting commenced on November 1, 2026, at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre and is scheduled to conclude on November 5, 2026.
The Public Security Committee brought together security and law enforcement officials from the two neighbouring countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation in addressing common security challenges, particularly cross-border crime, human trafficking, smuggling, border surveillance and intelligence sharing.
In his opening remarks, IGP Luhanga, who co-chaired the proceedings alongside his Mozambican counterpart, Mr Aquilasse Kapangula Manda, Deputy Commander General of the Mozambican Police, called on delegates to engage openly and constructively.
He emphasised the need for collective commitment, coordinated strategies and enhanced cooperation in addressing emerging security threats to safeguard the security and interests of both countries.
In his remarks, Deputy Commander General Manda expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation, describing the engagement as an important opportunity to strengthen the longstanding security partnership between the two nations.
The Public Security Committee comprised representatives from key institutions in both countries, including the Malawi Police Service, Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, Malawi Prisons Service, National Registration Bureau, Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Department of Refugees and Malawi Revenue Authority.
Apart from Public Security, the JPCDS has two other committees, namely Defence and State Security, which deliberate on various matters of mutual interest and strategic importance to the two countries.
The Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security remains a vital bilateral platform for strengthening cooperation, enhancing information sharing and developing joint approaches to security challenges affecting Malawi and Mozambique.
Hosting responsibilities for the commission alternate annually between the two countries, reflecting their shared commitment to maintaining peace, stability and security.
