Blantyre, Malawi — Geographically, Malawi as a land locked country relied on using the Nacala and Beira Corridors through Mozambique for her import and export of vital goods and commodities. For Malawi, the two corridors were her life line.
The corridors were disturbed and hence becoming non-operational during the Portuguese and Mozambicans initially before independence, and Frelimo and Renamo after independence. As the Beira corridor became totally non-operational Malawi had her hopes on the Nacala corridor for survival.
When this corridor was equally becoming non-operational due to persistent Renamo activities, Malawi's existence was threatened. There was therefore need for Malawi to defend the Nacala corridor militarily after diplomatic means failed in the late 80s and early 90s.
Malawi therefore activated her military wing, then Malawi Army, in 1986 with the sole mission of protecting or guarding the corridor. This move was meant to allow the safe importation and exportation of goods into and out of the country.
As the great portion of the Nacala corridor which was non-operational was in a foreign country, Mozambique, the Malawi Army had to operate jointly with the Mozambican government troops, Frelimo, hence the operation. All Malawi Army units were in one way or another involved in the operation in different turns between 1977 and 1992. Units 1MR, 2MR, 3MR, Parachute, Marine and SP Battalion constituted combat and combat support elements while combat service support was provided by MAAW and Administration Units.
With a mission to guard and protect the Nacala Corridor-Railway Line particularly from Nampula-Entre-Lagos anyone tampering with the line was assumed an enemy of the Malawi Army and Frelimo. In Operation Kwaeni, Renamo due to its activities on the line was the automatic enemy.
The mission sounded very simple, but the realities on the ground translate into a war that protracted from 1987 to 1991. The perversity of it all lied in the fact that not many people in Malawi knew their sons had been sent to 'war' except for a few government officials as Operation Kwaeni was not an all out military campaign despite its nature.
A few others had the misfortune of realizing what it was only after receiving a body-bag or disabled relative. During this campaign the MDF defended the Malawi Rail Engines by deploying troops close to the engines. These were switched off at night so as not to pose as an easily identifiable target. Engine bodies close to locomotive drivers and radiators were reinforced with hard metal as these were vulnerable during attacks.
Fortunately no Malawian villages came under attack from the enemy, so no Malawian civilians or villages were victimized less for those travelling with the troops.
As MDF had to deploy into combat posture against Renamo, safety measures deployed included bombing of suspected target areas during movements, reinforcing the armour on the locomotive engines, normal base routine of securities and local support during halts. As is expected of any active operation the MDF suffered same casualties mainly from mine-warfare.
Realizing the dangers MDF and Malawi Railways quickly trained some soldiers as locomotive drivers and sleeper-layers.
It becomes hard to isolate any heroes from the Operation Kwaeni but suffice to comment that the MDF was victorious since its deployment into Mozambique led to decreased Renamo activities. Malawi then happily utilized the saved Nacala Corridor for its imports and exports, and finally, Renamo and Frelimo came to the negotiating table where it turned out fruitful for both parties.
The hostilities along the rail-line and in the area ceased and peace is now present in the previously war-torn Mozambique after 15 to 20 years of fighting. There were many contacts but the most notable fierce fighting during the campaign was at Mtuali where there was direct exchange of fire between Renamo and the MDF. As was expected, the men of valour and honour of the MDF won the day.
Today, some of the Operation Kwaeni graduates, both soldiers and officers, are still serving in the MDF. Others have comfortably retired over the years with others retiring after Operation Kwaeni due to age and service. In recognition of the gallant work the MDF men undertook in fighting, protecting and safeguarding the rail line, the Nacala Corridor Campaign Medal was introduced.
Fierce gun battles at Mtuali, and Namina are remembered today with the naming of some of the lecture rooms at MAFCO.
However having gone through this excruciating experience along the Nacala Corridor, the MDF has learned a few lessons having identified own weakness during the operation. Political confidence has also been built coupled by a bitter lesson in mine warfare.
Colonel McLister Sikwese, now based at Army headquarters in Lilongwe and led his troops from 2MR, said they too stood their ground when his Company was assigned to guard a derailed train carrying aviation gas. "We stayed in battle posture as some people had before our arrival stolen some of the gas," he said. Colonel Sikwese was Officer Commanding of A Company, 2MR and a Captain at that time.
The Colonel also highlighted some of the tasks his Coy undertook such as restoration of derailings sabotaged by enemy elements.
"At one point we had to wait hours on ends, through nights, for helicopter provided spares. These times proved dangerous as Renamo forces would take advantage for ambushes. Mind you we were also operating in a mine infested area," he reminisced.
Current Army Sergeant Major Julius Kamphenga also has memories of Operation Kwaeni.
"It was tough and demanding. I am glad we triumphed and our goals were achieved. It was quite an experience," he added.
On the other hand Major Laurent Silavwe remembers several friends who lost lives and limbs in the long conflict. "When I look at my medal attained due to my stint in Mozambique memories flash by. Some of our dear friends lost legs and others lost their lives.
The many men that fought, died, lost limbs and returned from participating in Operation Kwaeni will go along way in the MDF's history books as they did Malawi proud.
