July 20 memorial organisers fault govt

Organisers of the July 20 memorial for people killed during anti-government protests in 2011 have faulted government over its failure to fulfil its promise to support the commemorations traditionally held in Mzuzu.

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, spokesperson for the organising committee, Mercy Mbesuma, said Minister of National Unity Timothy Mtambo promised them last year that government officials would be part and parcel of the team. She said they were also promised financial support.

She said: “But since that day, we have not heard anything from them. We tried to follow up but they could not even respond to our calls.”

Mbesuma said the committee has since resolved to proceed with the event today at Zolozolo Cemetery in Mzuzu City with resources raised by the bereaved families.

She said they budgeted the event at K2.5 million, but have only managed to raise K500 000. 

Mbesuma said: “Politicians should stop making promises that they know will not be fulfilled. As families, we have already gone through a lot of pain with the loss of our relatives. All we want is support from the government for inflicting this pain on us.”

Mtambo could not be reached for comment, but his ministry’s spokesperson Alick Kampeza said they were working on having the event gazetted as one of the official government functions.

Kampeza said: “As a ministry, we are committed to promoting peace and unity among Malawians through such commemorations. That is why our officials attend the event every year.

“But on the concerns brought forward, the ministry is in the process of gazetting the event so that it enjoys support, just like any other government function.”

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