‘Cooperation important in ensuring security’

Director of Defence at the United Kingdom Defence Academy Major General Mike Riddle Webster has said a joint civilian-military approach in security issues can help solve security challenges in Malawi and the Sadc region.

Webster was speaking to participants to the Managing Defence in a Wider Security Context Course (MDWSC) at the National Peace Support Operations Training Centre of the Malawi Armed Forces College (Mafco) in Salima on Friday.

The two-week course drew senior military officers from Southern Africa Development Community (Sadc) countries, the police and Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials.

“There is need for a collective approach and mechanism to security management involving the military, civilian and police and all national defences in the Sadc region. It is important that your fellow police and civilian participants build a shared vision of the key issues in global and regional security,” he said.

Said British Defence adviser Colonel David Strawbridge: “What you have learned will enable you to challenge the way in which you work within your specialist fields and offer you an opportunity to engage in frank and wide-ranging discussions with academics who possess a wealth of experience in these fields, as well as your fellow members of the military, police and civilian groups represented here today.”

Mafco commandant Brigadier General Rodrick Chimowa thanked the British Government for funding and organising the security course.