Kunkuyu in Ndirande inspecting the township’s economic challenges before violence erupted
* As he sympathises with Information Minister following Kunkuyu’s unfortunate incident in Ndirande where his car convoy was stoned
* Violence in a country has economic consequences and the Minister of Homeland security has a role to play to stop violence through effective police service
By Duncan Mlanjira
Chief Economist Chifipa Mhango, who is director of economic research & strategy for South Africa’s Don Consultancy Group, has written to Minister of Information& Digitalisation, Moses Kunkuyu sympathising with him following the unfortunate incident on Friday when his car convoy was stoned by residents of Ndirande Township.
It is copied to Ministers of Finance & Economic Affairs; Trade & Industry and Homeland Security as key Ministries, stressing that “violence in a country has economic consequences and the Minister of Homeland Security has a role to play to stop violence through effective police service”.
Mhango said he was also compelled to make a statement following the planned demonstrations tomorrow in Lilongwe over the continued fuel crisis rocking the entire country.
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He writes: “Good day, my brother Minister Kunkuyu, I had to wait for today to communicate to you after some prayers yesterday.
“The past few days, I have been following the reports of an incident in Ndirande to which its being reported through social media platforms that you were chased away through stoning of your entourage vehicles.
“I am not sure how true this is. However, I stand in shame as a Malawian citizen to notice that we have sections of our society in Malawi celebrating that, which in true sense is violence.
“If as a nation, the way of sorting out grievances is through violence, then the country has no future.
“I also want to bring to your attention of social media content that transpired in Lilongwe of pictures of panga-carrying groups of people who apparently, as reported, were on a mission to disrupt a planned demonstration that was to take place on the day.
“To me, a panga is not a small weapon, it’s that which if it’s used on a human body, is meant to kill. Just like a stone has similar consequences. In the Bible, David used a stone to kill Goliath — we must remember that.
Violence that took place in Lilongwe recently
“What again shocks me is that certain sections of our society were celebrating seeing these panga-carrying group disrupting a planned demonstration.
“As leaders in society, if we take an approach of choosing or being selective on what to condemn, and being part to celebrating violence that suits us, then our nation is doomed permanently.
“The nation opted for democracy in 1993, and not violence. It is important that as leaders in society, we live by example and condemn any form of violence no matter who does it.
“Our silence on certain violent acts or planed violence creates elements of animosity towards each other in society.
“I recently wrote you on the fanatical way our politics in Malawi has generetated, to which it resemble football teams. Unfortunately, the supporters who have matured into fanatics, have now become violent on the ground.
Chifipa Mhango
“We cannot be a nation that celebrates violence because it’s suits our political story. Let’s be weary of our actions as leaders, and be in the forefront of condemnation of any violent acts, and also build a professional police service, with a sole duty of protection of its citizens.
“We cannot have Police that allows violence or inflict violence on its citizens. No country’s economy is built or developed in an environment full of violence. It discourages investment.
“Your Minstry, which is the mouth piece of Government, should be in the forefront to preaching peace and condemning any violence in the country no matter which political side.
“We must always remember, when we are elected into Government, we are no longer serving the interest of our political parties, but that of Malawians in general.
“Let’s build a peaceful Malawi,” concludes Chief Economist while maintaining that “violence in a country has economic consequences”.
Ndirandeans apparently burning an MCP-branded T/shirt
In a statement issued yesterday, National Advocacy Platform (NAP) condemned the stoning of Kunkuyu’s convoy, saying this represents an alarming escalation of lawlessness and political intolerance.
NAP chairperson, Benedicto Kondowe and national coordinator, Baxton Nkhoma jointly signed the statement expressing concern about deliberate creation of “no-go-zones” which undermines the fundamental principles of democracy including freedom of movement, association as well as political participation.
“These violent acts are an affront to Malawi’s Constitution and international human rights commitments, signaling an alarming shift towards political intolerance and lawlessness,” reads part of the statement.
NAP is also pleading with Peace and Unity Commission to take a bold step as the Commission’s failure to address rising political tension risks violence and destabilising electrol process, leaving a dangerous vacuum in peace building efforts.
President Chakwera
The grouping calls President Lazarus Chakwera to stamp his leadership authority by urgently and publicly condemning acts of political violence to reinforce Malawi’s commitment to peace and democracy.
NAP is also calling President Chakwera to act by arresting and prosecuting perpetuators, act on impartial policing, proactive peace mediation, among others.
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