Govt queried over July 20 promises

Representatives of families whose relations were killed in the July 20 2011 anti-government protests in Mzuzu have accused authorities of failing to fulfil promises such as bursaries for children and loans for widows.

Speaking during a memorial service at Zolozolo Cemetery yesterday, Mercy Mbezuma said government also promised to erect a fence at the cemetery, but that has also not been fulfilled.

She said: “We are, therefore, reminding the government to fulfill the promises because members of the bereaved families are still looking forward to the promises.”

Representing the Northern Region Political Bloc representative, Wisdom Ngwira warned of solidarity marches should government fail to fulfil its promises.

“These people did not die in vain. They are our heroes and heroes do not die. We want these promises fulfilled before next year’s memorial,” he said.

On his part, Alliance for Democracy president Enock Chihana, besides supporting protests, also wondered why the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), one of the key partners in the governing Tonse Alliance, did not send a representative to the event.

“This does not look good. I am ready to be part of the team carrying out demonstrations. Get yourself ready, we are with you,” he said.

But MCP North-South Region chairperson Joseph Chavula said most officials went to attend a funeral of a relative to First Lady Monica Chakwera while others are abroad.

“The [MCP] vice-president Harry Mkandawire and deputy secretary general, who is also Speaker of the National Assembly, Catherine Gotani Hara are outside the country. But we facilitated tents that were used during the ceremony,” he said.

In his remarks, former vice-president Khumbo Kachali advised family members to make a formal appeal to President Lazarus Chakwera.

“Write a letter reminding the State President of the promises. I will forward it to the State President,” he said.

Ministry of Local Government, Culture and Unity director of national unity Gerald Chigona said he will relay the concerns to appropriate offices.

On July 20 2011, 20 unarmed civilians were killed during protests against political and economic problems Malawi faced under the administration of president Bingu wa Mutharika