Children, police dominate Zomba demos

Demonstrations against rising cost of living, which took place in Zomba yesterday, ended in running battles between the protesters and the police after the law enforcers fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.

The march, which was planned for 8am delayed after a few marchers, who were outnumbered by children and many police officers both in uniform and civilian had gathered at the starting point, Chinamwali Township’s City Boundary.

Concerned Citizes had organised the march, dubbed ‘Malawi salibwino’, in protest against high cost of living in the country. On placards they displayed, the marchers asked President Lazarus Chakwera and Vice-President Saulosi Chilima to do something about the plight of Malawians or step down for not walking their manifesto talk.

Signs of ugly scenes started at Chinamwali Trading Centre when some protesters wanted to break into shops, but the police swiftly intervened.

In his speech before delivering the petition to Zomba district commissioner Smart Gwedemula, the Concerned Citizens chairperson Oliver Nakoma read part of the petition, which said: “Malawi is in an economic genocide that needs intensive economic recovery”.

He said despite high cost of living civil servants’ salaries are still the same, making their lives tough.

“Even corruption is worse in the country in comparison to the previous regimes,” said Nakoma.

He further blamed the Tonse Alliance administration for promising the citizenry, especially the youth, creation of one million jobs.

“Some youths are being withdrawn from institutions of higher learning due to lack of school fees, creating more pressure in the country,” he said.

Nakoma challenged Gwedemula to deliver the petition to the President on time.

“This is a 14-day ultimatum petition, failing which we will be holding vigils at this office,” he said.

In reaction to the demonstrations, Jali businessperson Robert Phiri said they wasted his money and time as he failed to buy some goods in town as all shops were closed.

He complained that the country has had enough demonstrations and it is time for people to focus on ending poverty.

A Ndola resident, who identified herself as Margret, regretted the firing of tear gas, saying the smoke affected her two-year-child who was sleeping in the house.

Eastern Region Police spokesperson Joseph Sauka acknowledged the firing of tear gas, which he said was prompted by protesters who wanted to break into shops.