The quasi-religious group Public Affairs Committee (PAC) and some opposition political parties have endorsed demonstrations Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (Cdedi) is expected to hold in Lilongwe today.
The opposition political parties that have endorsed the demonstrations, demanding the resignation of Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola and Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) chief executive officer Henry Kachaje include Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and UTM Party.
Cdedi believes that Matola and Kachanje have failed to find long-lasting solutions to current fuel shortage in the country.
In a written response, PAC spokesperson Bishop Gilford Matonga observed that people have the right to peacefully demonstrate and air their grievances to authorities.
He said: “It is true that Malawians are facing huge economic challenges at the moment and right now fuel scarcity has become an elephant in the room. It’s a disaster. The economic pinch is massive.”
A statement dated November 22 2024, signed by DPP secretary general Peter Mukhito, noted that the current government’s failure to address various challenges, including fuel shortage is affecting livelihoods and the economic stability of our country.
The party also expressed concerns over the delay by President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration to address such challenges.
Reads the statement in part: “As the Democratic Progressive Party, we stand with every Malawian who has been affected by these crises. We urge all our members, supporters, and concerned citizens to join the demonstrations and vigils on the specified date, showing your solidarity with those who are bearing the brunt of these economic hardships.”
Addressing the press in Lilongwe yesterday, Cdedi executive director Sylvester Namiwa said they postponed the demonstrations last week after police said they were stretched to provide security as the President had a function, but today they will not fall into the trick of cancelling the demonstrations over security issues.
Chakwera is today scheduled to preside over the Electricity Supply Commission of Malawi (Escom) launch of a battery energy storage system at Kanengo Sub-station in Lilongwe.
Namiwa said although the police have written the Lilongwe District Council to frustrate the demonstrations, they will proceed with the protests, further stressing that Malawians have the right to hold peaceful protests; hence, police should not frustrate them.
He said: “As we are speaking, the police have issued a letter to the district commissioner asking the DC to write us another letter so that the demonstration should not take place.
“This is taking Malawians for granted. If the police want chaos in this country, the police should say so.”
Namiwa said it is time to fix the country and hold duty-bearers accountable, adding former vice-president the late Saulos Chilima already set a tone for Malawians to be courageous.
The route for the demonstration is from Lilongwe Community Ground via Mchesi, Kamuzu Central Hospital roundabout to Capital Hill where they will deliver a petition to Ministry of Energy offices.
Malawi has been experiencing fuel shortage for over a month. The crisis has been attributed to shortage of forex in the country.
However, government indicated that it has sourced money to procure fuel. n
Additional reporting by GEORGE SINGINI, Staff Reporter
