By Burnett Munthali
Senior government and security officials in Malawi gathered in Zomba on Saturday to honour the memory of soldiers and citizens who lost their lives during the First World War.
The solemn event took place at the historic Zomba Cenotaph, where participants laid wreaths to pay tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives for peace and freedom.
Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Mary Navicha, led the ceremony alongside her family, laying their wreath as a symbol of national gratitude and remembrance.
Her act reflected a deep respect for the nation’s fallen heroes and the families who continue to carry the legacy of their courage.
This year’s commemoration marks 107 years since the end of World War I, which concluded on 11 November 1918 — a conflict that reshaped global history and profoundly affected countries across Africa, including Malawi.
Among the other distinguished figures who laid wreaths was Brigadier General Harrison Kandula, representing the Malawi Defence Force, who saluted the contribution of Malawian soldiers who served under British command during the war.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations), Stain Bamusi Chaima, also placed a wreath on behalf of the Malawi Police Service, reaffirming the institution’s continued commitment to peacekeeping and national security.
Speaking during the event, officials highlighted the importance of remembering Malawi’s historical contributions to global conflicts and the role played by African soldiers whose sacrifices are often overlooked in world history.
Member of Parliament for Machinga East, Esther Jolobala, attended the ceremony on behalf of the Speaker of the National Assembly, symbolizing the unity of all arms of government in honouring the fallen.
Chief Justice representative, Dick Sankhulani, laid a wreath on behalf of the Judiciary, underscoring that justice and peace are intertwined — both demanding courage and sacrifice.
Minister of Information and Government Spokesperson, Moses Kunkuyu, represented the opposition in Parliament during the commemoration, laying a wreath as a gesture of bipartisan respect for the country’s shared history.
The presence of leaders from different sectors — the military, police, executive, judiciary, and legislature — demonstrated national unity and collective remembrance.
The Zomba Cenotaph, standing tall in the former capital city, serves as a powerful symbol of Malawi’s contribution to global peace efforts.
It commemorates Malawian and African soldiers who fought in both World Wars, many of whom served in the King’s African Rifles, a colonial regiment that played a key role in East African campaigns.
During the ceremony, attendees observed a moment of silence as the Last Post was played, filling the air with solemn reverence.
Wreaths of fresh flowers were laid in neat formation, each one representing gratitude, remembrance, and hope for lasting peace.
Speakers at the event emphasized that the courage of those who fought should inspire the present generation to build a more peaceful, united, and just nation.
Minister Navicha described the commemoration as “a moment of reflection for every Malawian to remember the cost of peace and the value of unity.”
She added that while the world has changed since 1918, the principles of service, sacrifice, and solidarity remain as important today as they were a century ago.
The ceremony also served as a reminder of Malawi’s historical ties to global events and the role its people played in shaping the world’s freedom struggles.
Local schoolchildren and community members joined the dignitaries in the event, demonstrating that remembrance is not only for the leaders but for every citizen.
Veterans’ representatives were also in attendance, honouring their fallen comrades and sharing memories of service and sacrifice.
As the national flag fluttered at half-mast, attendees reflected on the lasting legacy of courage displayed by Malawi’s sons and daughters during the war years.
The commemoration concluded with prayers for peace, unity, and national progress, echoing the enduring message that peace must be protected through remembrance and collective effort.
As Malawi joined the rest of the world in honouring Armistice Day, the event in Zomba stood as a poignant reminder that the nation’s strength lies not only in its present achievements but in its enduring respect for those who laid down their lives for its future.
