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Chakwera vows to tighten security

President Lazarus Chakwera has vowed to crack down on security lapses which have triggered instability, resulting in Mozambicans being aided to obtain Malawian passports illegally.

He was speaking in Ntcheu during this year’s Umhlangano Cultural Festival in which all the Gomani Maseko Ngonis celebrate their departed forefathers.

Ntcheu is among districts that border with Mozambique.

Chakwera said he has been informed that some people aid foreigners to illegally get passports.

He said: “I know of the village that is creating problems by illegally letting people from Mozambique cross the border and illegally giving them documents to get Malawian passports.

“I also know of the problem of security lapses in the district to the point that people are afraid to walk around trading centres in the evening.”

Chakwera also accused some police officers who he said ask people to pay for their services.

He said: “I also know of the police stations in some areas here that are refusing to help citizens unless they pay to be served. 

“All those involved in these illegal activities should know that the Ministry of Homeland Security is getting to the bottom of this criminal enterprise.”

The President also said he was aware that some Malawians were being denied National Economic Empowerment Fund loans due to their political affiliations and the uncertainty surrounding the Affordable Inputs Programme which offers subsidised fertiliser to underprivileged farmers. 

“These and other problems are on the radar of my administration because we are determined to get these matters resolved,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chakwera hailed Inkosi ya Makosi Gomani V for bringing solutions to some of the country’s challenges.

“To the problem of climate change impacts that are affecting our rain cycle and farmers your response has never been to cry about it, but to contribute your ideas to climate-smart and climate-resilient approaches…

“To the problem of the loss of cultural and historical anchors and values among Malawi’s youth, your response has never been to finger point, but to contribute to the solution by establishing libraries and programmes by which the values of Maseko Ngoni can be passed from one generation to the next,” he said.

Taking his turn, Inkosi Gomani V called on the country’s leaders to stop promoting their political parties.

Instead, he urged the President to focus on promoting the country’s social-economic development.

The Minister of Local Government Blessings Chinsinga unveiled the government’s plans to launch a national culture day.

The festival was graced by people from all walks of life including Vice-President Saulos Chilima, members of the diplomatic corps and traditional leaders from abroad and within.

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