‘Chakwera must fulfil campaign promises’

The Young Human Rights Defenders Network Demonstrators chairperson Fyabupi Kamanga has asked President Lazarus Chakwera to fulfil his campaign promises.

He said this yesterday after the network led demonstrations in the Northern Region demanding the President to act on the socio-economic challenges facing the country.

Kamanga also said they expect Chakwera to be in Mzuzu before August 17 to receive their petition.

“This decision has been made because the petitions that have been sent to you [Chakwera] through district commissioners have not been responded to. We now think that the petitions are not delivered to your office,” he said.

However, the demonstrations, which were mostly patronised by primary and secondary school learners, were delayed by two hours due to organisation hiccups.

In contrast, there was a heavy presence of security agents during the march.

Although the demonstrations were largely peaceful, there were pockets of chaos as some protesters pelted security agents with stones.

One of the protesters, identified as NyaZimba, said she participated in the demonstrations because she cannot afford tea with bread.

The demonstrators delivered their petition to M’Mbelwa District Council  representative Tamala Nyirongo, who assured the demonstrators that them that the petition will be delivered to relevant authorities.

The demonstrations are being conducted as Form Two students are sitting for their Junior Certificate examinations.

On Tuesday, Minister of Education Agnes NyaLonye appealed for calm during the time students are sitting for their examinations. She said demonstrations can disturb the candidates.