Govt called to act on MDF roadblock

There are growing concerns on the conduct of Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers at Chilumba Barracks adhoc roadblock in Karonga, where people allege that the soldiers indulge in corruption and brutality, including confiscating maize from travellers.

The concerns have been raised by some affected people through legislators and organisations that include Federalism Institute and Citizens for Transformation (CFT). The soldiers’ action to confiscate maize is said to be compounding the hunger situation in Karonga.

In an interview, Minister of Defence Harry Mkandawire said he will visit the area soon.

On his part, MDF Commander General Paul Valentino Phiri said he is looking at all aspects to get a win-win situation on the matter.

But he said the roadblock is crucial in dealing with human trafficking and illegal immigrants, apart from the other tasks on farm produce.

On Wednesday, CFT, through its leader Timothy Mtambo wrote the MDF Commander, arguing that the roadblock is now associated with brutality and corruption.

He said: “There are strong allegations levelled against the soldiers which include the following: Some trucks with farm produce are allowed to pass through the roadblock after paying at least K150 000. This money is charged and collected by the men guarding the gate;

“Malawian citizens are not allowed to pass through the roadblock even with a single bag of maize, some citizens who insist that they do have the right to pass with the farm produce have been assaulted by our men in uniform.”

The former minister National Unity said people in Karonga are relying on maize supplies from Rumphi, Mzimba and Kasungu districts, and the conduct by the soldiers is compounding the hunger situation.

He said traditional and religious leaders in Karonga have voiced this concern to no avail and now people think that government has abdicated its responsibility and is no longer concerning about their plight.

“You may wish to know, Sir, that at every funeral today, this has become a talking point by chiefs and community leaders. This ought to be a cause for concern as the confidence of the people in the army is getting eroded daily.

“I would like to recommend that the roadblock should be shifted towards the border where the smuggling routes are. I further recommend introduction of another check point before the Chitipa-Tanzania border as a lot of maize is being smuggled into Tanzania through this route,” said Mtambo.

On Tuesday, Karonga Nyungwe legislator Kenneth Ndovi in whose jurisdiction the roadblock is located, raised the issue in Parliament, pleading if large trucks of maize could be allowed to pass through to Karonga Boma.

Ndovi also suggested “moving the roadblock to Kaporo, so that large trucks from other districts like Rumphi, Mzimba, Kasungu and Nkhata Bay are allowed to ferry the grain to Karonga Boma where local traders can buy from.”

On July 21, Federalism Institute Leader Lusungu Simba Mwakhwawa also wrote President Lazarus Chakwera, insisting, the duty to enforce the law and protect citizens’ rights falls under the jurisdiction of the police not the military.

“Does this mean that Chilumba Barracks is the boundary between Malawi and Karonga as far as farm products are concerned?

“The people of Karonga are being denied the opportunity to access cereal crops because all crops are being confiscated at Chilumba. We demand that you intervene to stop this mistreatment of Malawian citizens immediately,” decried Mwakhwawa.

However, Mkandawire said they are consulting other relevant stakeholders on the matter, but insisted the roadblock is essential in controlling grain smuggling to ensure food security and prevent tax evasion.

 “I will be travelling to Karonga District shortly with other government sister departments and ministries to a meeting over the same to ensure Malawians from all walks of life continue to operate their businesses without any difficulties,” he said.

Karonga-based businessperson Lyton Yusufu is currently on court bail after MDF soldiers at Chilumba Barracks arrested him.

The raid at Yusuf’s house followed a video that recently went viral in which he accused MDF soldiers at Chilumba Barracks checkpoint on the M1 of beating up travellers. He also alleged they were taking bribes and impounding agricultural produce such as maize, groundnuts and soya beans from entrepreneurs.