Chihana regrets endorsing Tonse Alliance
Alliance for Democracy (Aford) president Enoch Chihana yesterday issued a public apology to Malawians for his role in signing the Tonse Alliance pact with the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
Speaking at the opening of the party’s convention at Golden Peakcock Hotal in Lilongwe, Chihana described his endorsement of the alliance as a “serious mistake”.
His speech, delivered to a packed hall of delegates, was met with ululation, cheering, and the rhythmic beating of drums, creating an atmosphere of jubilation and excitement.
Chihana also said that the late Vice-President Saulos Chilima had initially refused to work with MCP, but they tried to reason with him, believing that MCP had changed.
“I now regret it,” he confessed to the delegates, who responded with a mix of empathy and support.
Chihana also painted a grim picture of the nation’s state of economic challenges and governance issues.
He said: “The Presidency has become an institution of self-entitlement and not service. Malawians are suffering, and we cannot continue like this. We have a debt of over K15 trillion. After 60 years of independence, we are still begging, depending on the IMF and World Bank,
“The future of Malawi is in tatters; the government is confused and lost; corruption is a cancer that is killing the nation, and the rule of law is disregarded.”
He also criticised the poor governance and fiscal discipline by the government machinery, which he said has led to a culture of impunity where those in power prioritise their own interests over the needs of the people.
In reference to an incident in Chikwawa on Thursday, where some vehicles accompanying President Lazarus Chakwera were pelted with stones, he said the incident was a clear demonstration that Malawians are yearning for change.
Chihana emphasised Aford needs to reaffirm its commitment to the values of democracy, social justice, and equality that have defined it since its inception.
“We must reclaim our legacy and secure a future for all Malawians,” he declared and his words were met with enthusiastic cheers and the waving of party flags.
Earlier, convention chairperson Clement Stambuli announced that 94 positions were up for grabs. Voting for 20 of them was scheduled to be done as we went to press, 11 more today, and the remaining 63 would be filled by the newly-elected national executive committee.
The convention hall was alive with vibrant colours and the real excitement of delegates.
The elective conference itself was further brightened by the presence of members from other parties, including UTM, United Democratic Front, People’s Party and the Democratic Progressive Party.
