The Malawi Prison Service (MPS) says its Restorative Justice and Peace Building program is making significant strides in promoting reconciliation and reducing re-offending among inmates across the country.
MPS Public Relations Officer Steve Charles Meke revealed that the program, now in its third year, has so far conducted over 1,000 reconciliation sessions in prisons nationwide.
According to Meke, through these efforts, more than 600 cases have been successfully resolved, with victims and offenders reconciling and choosing the path of forgiveness.
He, however, acknowledged that around 400 cases are still ongoing, with MPS facilitators actively working to help the involved parties reach common ground. Meke emphasized that the ongoing management of these cases is being done with sensitivity and dedication to ensure genuine reconciliation.
What sets the initiative apart, Meke said, is the community-centered approach that MPS is embracing. Traditional leaders, faith leaders, and other key stakeholders from communities are being engaged in the process to help deepen understanding and support of the program.
“Whenever we plan a victim-offender reconciliation session, we involve local leaders so they fully understand the concept,” he explained. “We know that we cannot reduce re-offending or improve relationships between victims and offenders without involving communities.”
To strengthen the program’s reach, MPS has deployed two or more trained facilitators in every prison station across Malawi. These facilitators handle reconciliation sessions and also help educate communities on the importance of restorative justice.
Meke stressed that this initiative is an important part of the Malawi Prison Service’s broader shift from being a punitive institution to a fully fledged correctional service.
(By Fegson Phabuli)
