Thoughts on Mangochi fracas

It was clear , from the start of the Mangochi fracas, that Paul Msangwa, has been selling pork in Mangochi for seven yeas and he moves about delivering it to his customers. The general sentiments from the Muslim faith present were that this, along with other commoditles that Islam does not aloow, should be banned in this district since it’s largely dominated by Muslims.

Practically, they want their rights and freedoms to be respected and yet they are not ready to tolerate the non-Muslim community. Arguing that the defendant provoked the plaintiff, Bulugama Makunganya, is also wrong since we are not following Islamic laws here.

Further, I feel more injustice was done when the accused refused to follow the chief’ advice and decided to take the matter in his hands—snatching Msangwa’s pork and buried it in the sand.

Clearly, the manner in which the case was handled has brought some fears and insecurities on the non-Islamic community as it has practically empowered the Muslim faith to confront any individual doing anything against their religious teachings. This is evident in the rampage that immediately followed the announcement of judgement, when the Muslim community started to search around for any food commodity they felt is Haram to be destroyed. Luckily, many shops were already closed.

Claiming that Mangochi is largely an Islamic district is subject to debate because we do not have clear statistics supporting that. However, the Islamic community is slowly islamising the district with the law enforcers operating with some ‘fears.’

From a lay man’s point of view, the case was a clear cut, infringement of the victim’s economic rights. However, I feel judgement was passed on the basis of averting a looming chaos were if it were to go against the wished of the Muslim community.

Clearly, there must be some questions on how the faith and its teachings are embraced. or example, this concept of ‘fighting for God’ (they call it Dini ya Mulungu) which guarantees them a place in ‘janna’ (heaven) seems to be the driving power towards being ready to fight anyone who crosses their religious teachings.

Sentiments of waging a Jihad against such people were everywhere, with one of their leaders speaking on the podium that even Samson killed non-believers; so they can do it as well. Throughout their preaching and speeches they were quoting both the Quaran and Bible, arguing that this is not their fight, but they are doing it for God. So they will do anything to ensure that the God of the Quaran and Bible is respected.

If anything is not done to calm the situation, we are slowly moving towards a religious conflict particularly in this area, just like those in Nigeria. Soon, we won’t be surprised if they start demanding that churches shouldn’t be present in this area because it is predominantly an ‘Islamic state.’

—The author is a Chancellor College graduate historian currently teaching in Mangochi and witnessed the fracas.