The governments of Mozambique and Malawi are examining new measures to strengthen cooperation in defence and security, with a focus on combating cross-border crime, human and drug trafficking, terrorism, illegal immigration, and smuggling, according to the Mozambique Information Agency (AIM).

The measures are being debated at the 17th session of the Joint Permanent Defence and Security Commission (CCPDS), taking place from 2 to 4 November in the city of Blantyre, Malawi. The meeting brings together representatives from both countries to assess existing cooperation and identify new joint actions designed to address the security challenges affecting both territories.

The session also includes a review of compliance with decisions taken at the previous meeting, held in Maputo in July 2025. Among the commitments under review are the strengthening of intelligence sharing, the conduct of joint patrols, and the organisation of combined military exercises.

At the opening of proceedings, the permanent secretary of Mozambique's Ministry of National Defence, Casimiro Mueio, called for the acceleration of the implementation of previously agreed commitments. He highlighted progress in making military training places available between the Mozambique Armed Defence Forces (FADM) and the Malawi Defence Force (MDF).

Casimiro Mueio also underlined the need to intensify information sharing and improve migration controls. In this context, he highlighted cooperation between the two countries in preventing human trafficking and in locating missing minors.

For his part, Malawi's principal secretary of defence, Gift C. Dulla, advocated stronger coordination between the institutions of both countries to address a range of threats, including human trafficking, terrorism, smuggling, illegal wildlife trade, and illegal mining. Gift C. Dulla described dialogue and information exchange as fundamental to tackling the security problems affecting both countries and the broader region.

In parallel, specialised committees covering defence, public security, and state security began discussions on measures to strengthen border surveillance and control, improve information sharing, and increase the response capacity of security institutions. The proceedings are expected to produce intervention proposals and recommendations to guide the joint actions of Mozambican and Malawian authorities.

The cooperation takes on particular significance given that Mozambique and Malawi share a border of approximately 1,569 kilometres, with land, lake, and river crossings. These routes facilitate the movement of people and goods and underpin economic and social ties between communities in both countries, but also pose challenges related to territorial surveillance, migration control, and the prevention of illicit activities.

Beyond security matters, relations between the two countries are shaped by Malawi's dependence on Mozambican ports via the Nacala and Beira corridors, which are critical for the transport of goods and access to international markets.

The 17th session of the CCPDS is due to conclude on 4 November, with representatives from both countries expected to present the recommendations arising from the discussions.