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Speaker calls for peace in ‘Benghazi

 

Speaker of the National Assembly Richard Msowoya has rebuked politicians and the electorate who cause electoral violence in Karonga Central Constituency.

Since 2009, the shoreline constituency has come to be likened to Libya’s war zone, Benghazi, due to violent clashes between supporters of sitting legislator Frank Mwenifumbo and his competitor Cornelius Mwalwanda

Speaking during a democracy fair organised by National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust on Saturday in the constituency, Msowoya urged voters to reject candidates who promote violence.

Msowoya: What about you ?

However, he reckoned it was illogical to blame politicians for propagating violence while sparing operatives who cause terror on the ground.

“If I send you to cause havoc on my opponents and you call me a leader without vision, what about you who accept to cause terror? Do you have a vision?” he asked.

Msowoya said even the violent factionaries no longer derive any pride from the name ‘Benghazi’.

Group village head Mwakabanga also asked for unity.

According to Nice regional civic education officer Vincent Kalawa, the trust is using citizen forums, Multiparty Liaison Committee and Karonga District Peace Forum to rally constituents and aspirants against violence ahead of 2019 elections.

“We heard from the communities and we engaged all warring factions to ensure they remain united in 2019 and beyond,” he said. n

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