December 27, 2012

Malawi bans corn exports to Tanzania

Malawian President, Joyce Banda, has ordered the suspension of corn exports to Tanzania.

Ms Banda has also ordered tighter security along the borders to curb rampant smuggling of the grain. The move follows an acute shortage of corn, which is a staple in the southern African country.

President Banda announced the ban after visiting the country's main grain reserves run by the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA).

About two million people face starvation in Malawi after adverse weather affected corn production.

Police have in recent months seized hundreds of tonnes of corn along the country's borders. Authorities believe some of the corn was destined for Tanzania and Kenya.

President Banda said she had been informed that most markets had no corn, adding that the export and smuggling of the commodity had caused an "artificial" shortage in the country.

Malawi police recently arrested four Tanzanians and a Malawian as they were allegedly trying to smuggle out about 200 bags of corn.

However, a local leader in Karonga, the district bordering Tanzania, has accused Malawian police of profiteering from corn smuggling, and said the Malawi Defence Forces should be deployed to man the borders.