Addis ababa: Ethiopia and Malawi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation in migration governance and to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling, particularly along the Southern Route to South Africa. The agreement, signed in Addis Ababa on Friday, provides a framework for joint action in prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership, with a focus on protecting vulnerable migrants and dismantling criminal networks.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Ergoge Tesfaye, emphasized that the MOU would bolster joint efforts by Ethiopia and Malawi to address irregular migration along the Southern Route and protect Ethiopian migrants from trafficking and exploitation. Ethiopia acts as a source, transit, and destination country for migrants, while Malawi serves as a crucial transit point along the route to South Africa, necessitating close cooperation between the two countries.
Ergoge highlighted that migration is a natural phenomenon but stressed the importance of managing it properly to avoid significant dangers. The agreement also provides for the protection of migrants' human rights, humanitarian assistance, and dignified return. She praised Malawi for its collaboration with Ethiopian law enforcement in apprehending human trafficking suspects, noting that joint efforts had helped bring to justice individuals linked to a trafficking network victimizing over 300 citizens.
Malawi's Minister of Homeland Security, Peter Mukhito, remarked that the agreement would enhance information sharing, operational cooperation, and the capacity of both countries to combat transnational organized crime. He emphasized the need for swift communication, efficient information exchange, and stronger cooperation between law enforcement institutions to ensure the agreement's effective implementation.
Mukhito also underscored the human cost of trafficking and migrant smuggling, stating that both countries must protect vulnerable people, support victims, and ensure traffickers do not escape justice by crossing borders. He noted that the agreement holds broader significance for Africa, as these challenges require stronger cooperation among African nations.
State Minister of Justice Belayihun Yirga remarked that the MOU provides a legal foundation for future cooperation between Ethiopia and Malawi in combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling. He stated that the agreement builds on the longstanding friendship between the two nations and is expected to provide a stronger framework for practical bilateral cooperation on migration management and the fight against transnational crime.