CSOs warn of repeat of July 20 2011 protests

Civil society organisations (CSOs) have warned that the country could experience another wave of anti-government protest due to the political and economic challenges facing Malawians.

Speaking during the July 20 Memorial Service for people killed during the anti-government protests in 2011, CCAP Synod of Livingstonia Church and Society Programme executive director Moses Mkandawire said the pattern of events that led to nationwide protests 11 years ago are similar to what Malawi is facing today.

He cited the rising cost of living, high fuel prices, and endemic corruption, among others, which left Malawians impatient. He said the people resorted to violent protests as they lost trust in the elected political leaders.

The protests led to the death of 20 unarmed civilians who were gunned down by police. The majority of these were killed in Mzuzu City and were buried at Zolozolo Cemetery where a memorial service is held in their honour every July 20.

Said Mkandawire: “In 2011, one of the factors that forced us to be on the streets and led to the killing of all these innocent citizens is that corruption was rampant at that material time.

“This time around, we are also hearing that there are cases of serious and organised crime. And a lot of resources are being siphoned out of the public purse which is negatively impacting the growth and development of our country just as was the case in 2011.”

He said in 2011, he was one of the protest organisers and the CSOs resorted to going to the streets after exhausting all avenues of contact and dialogue with the then president the late Bingu wa Mutharika. He, however, said Bingu was “stubborn” such that he could not give in to the CSOs’ demands.

“So, what we are saying is that let’s have a day where we can dialogue and find ways of reducing these incidences of corruption so that this country can make progress,” said Mkandawire.

A representative of the victims’ families, Mercy Mbesuma, faulted government officials for shunning the commemoration this year.

She also blamed the government for failing to honour their promises to make the event an official government function.

Mbesuma said the families singlehandedly hosted the event with personal resources, where every family was tasked to contribute K20 000.

Ministry of National Unity Principal Secretary Elizabeth Gomani-Chindebvu said government is in the process of establishing a Peace and Unity Commission as well as District Peace and Unity Committees to foster unity in the country.

“Processes are at an advanced stage. Once the commission is established, the idea is that people in communities should be able to take their issues to the commission for mediation,” she said.

Apart from the PS and Mkandawire, another notable individual at the event was the former vice-president Khumbo Kachali.