Malawi needs to heal from July 20 killings

 Church of Central Africa Presbyterian of the Synod of Livingstonia has asked Malawians to heal from the past atrocities committed by the former ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

The synod’s general secretary, the Reverend William Tembo said this during prayers held at Zolozolo Cemetery in Mzuzu to commemorate the July 20 shootings.

On July 20 2011, police killed 20 people in the city during protests against President Bingu wa Mutharika’s government.

Tembo condemned the party for the killings and said time has come for the DPP to apologise to the families of the victims, so that they can begin a process of healing.

“Malawi needs healing and reconciliation. We are one as Malawians. In times of crisis, someone must say sorry. The DPP should apologise and Malawi should reconcile,” he said.

The vict ims’ fami l ies’ spokesperson Mercy Mbezuma said they want to have an audience with President Lazarus Chakwera because before being ushered into power, he promised them financial support but the pledge is yet to be fulfilled.

She said: “We are waiting for the politicians to fulfil what they have promised here because they have admitted their wrong doing.”

The low key memorial service due to Covid-19 and funding challenges attracted some high profile political leaders including Minister of National Unity and Civic Education Timothy Mtambo, former vice-president Khumbo Kachali, Malawi Congress Party second deputy president Harry Mkandawire and some members of the Alliance for Democracy.

In his remarks, Mtambo concurred with Tembo for the need for the country to heal and reconcile, saying his ministry is in the process of coming up with a Bill that will also focus mainly on reconciliation.

He said the Bill is expected to go to Parliament in November this year.

“We have finalised a Bill on peace and unity. It will go to Parliament in the next sitting,” said Mtambo.

While Kachale asked political leaders to learn and never the repeat mistakes of the DPP.