Ex-Malawi president officially kicks off Commonwealth mission in Dar es Salaam
The former President of Malawi and Special Envoy of the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Lazarus Chakwera, met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, in Dar es Salaam on April 9, 2026.
The meeting was held to welcome him to Tanzania and marked the start of his programme of engagements with various stakeholders, including a meeting with a government delegation on the same day at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre.
Dar es Salaam. Former Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has begun his engagements in Tanzania under a Commonwealth diplomatic mission aimed at advancing reconciliation and dialogue among stakeholders.
Dr Chakwera, who is serving as Special Envoy to Tanzania under the mandate of Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, arrived in the country on Wednesday evening.
He landed at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) on April 8, where he was received by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ngwaru Maghembe.
The visit marks the start of what officials describe as a diplomatic mission aimed at fostering dialogue and easing political tensions following Tanzania’s October 29, 2025 General Election.
The former President of Malawi and Special Envoy of the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Lazarus Chakwera
Dr Chakwera’s appointment was announced by the Commonwealth in November 2025 as part of its “Good Offices” framework, which allows the organisation to facilitate dialogue and conflict prevention among member states.
According to the Commonwealth Secretariat, the envoy is expected to engage a broad range of stakeholders during his visit, including government officials, political party leaders, civil society organisations, religious leaders and members of the diplomatic community.
The consultations are intended to help lay the groundwork for an inclusive national dialogue focusing on reconciliation, governance reforms and long-term political stability.
Announcing the appointment, Ms Botchwey expressed confidence in Dr Chakwera’s ability to support dialogue among stakeholders.
“Dr Lazarus Chakwera’s experience and leadership will be important in supporting constructive dialogue among all stakeholders, and I am confident it will contribute to peace and stability for the people of Tanzania,” she said at the time.
Dr Chakwera also welcomed the appointment, saying he accepted the role with “deep humility”.
“As an African from a neighbouring country who has followed developments in Tanzania closely, I am honoured to serve in this capacity,” he said in an earlier statement.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo
During the visit, the envoy is expected to hold consultations with various stakeholders as part of efforts aimed at encouraging dialogue and supporting a peaceful and inclusive political process.
