Malawians discuss peace ahead of 2019 polls
Malawians joined the global community on Thursday to commemorate the International Peace Day [September 21] with a call for political leaders to cease fire and promote peace ahead of the 2019 general elections.
Hundreds of Malawians from across the country, led by the United Religions Initiative (URI), gathered at Nkhudzi Bay Ground in Mangochi to observe the day under the theme ‘Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for all’.
URI board member Undule Mwakasungula said the day was significant to Malawians as it gives them an opportunity for renewed purpose to build a conflict-free Malawi ahead of the 2019 polls.
“Millions of people globally have died due to hostilities resulting from political conflicts. As we join the world in celebrating this day, let us rededicate ourselves to building peace,” said Mwakasungula.
Father John Ng’oma of the Anglican Church, who is URI national coordinator, called on political leaders to join the church in promoting peace to prevent human sufferings the world is witnessing.
He said they held the event in Mangochi following some turbulent moments experienced in the district following occurrences of interfaith conflicts between Christians and Muslims.
In a statement to commemorate the day, Chief Secretary to the Government Lloyd Muhara said government would commemorate the day later under the local theme ‘Together for Peace: Unity in Diversity”.
“The significance of the local theme is that it highlights the need for Malawians to exercise unity and demonstrate high levels of oneness as a means of promoting peace and development of the country,” reads part of Muhara’s statement.
The day is commemorated by peace lovers around the world observing a minute of silence at 12pm, with guns going silent globally for a day to observe ceasefire and refrain from violence.
The URI is a global grassroots interfaith network that cultivates peace and justice by engaging people to bridge religious and cultural differences and work together for the good of their communities and the world.
