Chilima made the remarks today at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe during the consecration of the new Auxiliary Bishop where he represented the country’s President, Dr Lazarus Chakwera.
The Vice President also expressed government’s appreciation to the Catholic Church for its complementary role in the provision of essential social services in the country in areas such as education, health, women and youth empowerment, governance as well as agriculture through it’s institutions and development arms.
In his remarks, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia also congratulated Bishop Mwakhwawa for accepting the calling.
He however advised the new Bishop to remain vigilant as he will be discharging his daily duties.
Most Rev. George Desmond Tambala, Archbishop of Lilongwe, who is also President of Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) expressed his happiness for the newly ordained and consecrated Auxiliary Bishop, saying this has lightened up his duties and responsibilities.
In his address Rt. Rev. Vincent Mwakhwawa, expressed gratitude to the Catholic family for trusting him to carry out the mission. He pledged total dedication and cooperation, and has pleaded for unity.
In his remarks, Laity Council Chairman, Gabriel Kamlomo disclosed that Lilongwe Archdiocese has 49 parishes and the Auxiliary Bishop has come on time.
Former Vice President, Khumbo Kachale; Speaker of the National Assembly, Catherine Gotani Hara; Minister of Lands, Deus Gumba; Leader Opposition in Parliament, Kondwani Nankhumwa and Malawi Congress Party Regional Chairperson for the Centre, Patrick Zebron Chilondola were among dignitaries who also attended the event.
The recent transfers of senior police officers in Malawi have raised eyebrows and sparked debates about the motives behind these actions. With President Chakwera experiencing a lukewarm welcome in the southern region, especially during a convoy passing through Blantyre, many believe that these transfers are politically motivated. This article delves into the details of these transfers and explores the allegations of political interference within the Malawi police services.
One incident that has particularly caught the attention of the public is the courageous act of some fearless individuals in Blantyre. They blocked President Chakwera’s convoy at the HHI roundabout, demonstrating their dissatisfaction with his leadership. Interestingly, these individuals were on their way to the graveyard or HHI cemetery, emphasizing the depth of their frustration and the significance of their actions.
Kaira
Hours after this unprecedented blockade, news broke that Commissioner of Police for the south-west region, Richard Luhanga, had been transferred to the northern region, maintaining the same position. In a surprising turn of events, Noel Kaira will replace Luhanga in the south-west division. Additionally, Rhoda Luhanga, who held the position of Regional Operations Officer 2, will now be heading to the north as Regional Operations Officer 3. These sudden transfers of senior police officers have not gone unnoticed by the public.
The Maravi Post, a well-respected news outlet, obtained a wireless message signed by the Malawi Inspector General of Police, MerLylin Nachulu Yolamu, announcing the transfers. According to this message, the transfers were effective immediately. The timing of these transfers, coinciding with President Chakwera’s visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo for the inauguration of President-elect Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, has raised suspicions among critics.
The Malawi police services have long been plagued by allegations of political interference, and these transfers only add fuel to the fire. It is no secret that the police force is heavily influenced by politics, and critics argue that these recent transfers are just another example of this phenomenon. While the government denies any ulterior motives and maintains that these transfers are routine and commonplace, security experts suggest otherwise.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a security expert claims that these transfers are politically strategic in nature. According to the expert, the transfers are a means for the government to maintain control and silence dissenting voices within the police force. By moving senior police officers who may have shown sympathy or support for the protesters, the government believes it can maintain its grip on power and prevent any further challenges to its authority.
In response to these allegations, National Police Public Relations Officer Peter Kalaya asserts that the transfers are normal and without sinister intent. He points out that transfers occur in all government departments, including the police force, and are a routine part of maintaining efficiency and effectiveness within the organization. Kalaya suggests that these transfers should not be viewed through a political lens but rather as a standard administrative procedure.
However, the skepticism surrounding these transfers cannot be ignored. Many Malawians have expressed their concerns about the erosion of trust in the police force and the government’s alleged manipulation of law enforcement agencies for political purposes. The arbitrary nature of the transfers, coupled with their timing and the public’s perception of them, only serve to deepen these concerns.
As the debate rages on, it is crucial for authorities to address these concerns and ensure transparency in the transfer process. A clear explanation from the government, backed by evidence, could assuage fears and restore faith in the Malawi police services. Without such transparency, the public’s trust in the police force and the government’s commitment to fair and impartial governance will continue to wane.
In conclusion, the questionable transfers within the Malawi police services have shed light on the deep-rooted problem of political interference. While the government insists that these transfers are routine and devoid of any political motives, critics argue otherwise. The timing and circumstances surrounding these transfers, coupled with the country’s overarching political climate, have raised suspicions among the public. It is essential for the government to address these concerns seriously and take steps to rebuild trust in both the police force and the administration as a whole. Only through transparency can the Malawian people have faith in the integrity and independence of their law enforcement agencies.
Malawi’s recent incident involving President Lazarus Chakwera’s convoy has highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive civic education in the country. The lack of awareness about the procedures and protocols surrounding presidential convoys has led to misconceptions and misinformation circulating on social media platforms, further illustrating the necessity for informed citizens. Addressing this issue, Ken Msonda, a member of the DPP National Governing Council, shed light on the meticulous planning and coordination that takes place to ensure the safety and efficiency of presidential convoys.
In a recent speech, Msonda emphasized the critical role of civic education in creating a generation that understands and respects the laws and procedures governing the movement of the president. Failure to adequately civic educate both the young and the adults risks perpetuating ignorance and misunderstanding, jeopardizing the democratic functioning of the nation.
The controversy that unfolded on social media alleged that youth from Ndirande township had halted President Chakwera’s convoy due to a funeral procession en route to the HHI cemetery. The rumors further claimed that the president was compelled to disembark from his vehicle and offer condolences to the bereaved family, accompanied by a monetary donation of MK500,000.
Ken Msonda
To clarify these misconceptions, Msonda provided valuable insights into the operational mechanics of presidential convoys. He explained that each presidential convoy adheres to a meticulously detailed timetable, meticulously planned to ensure smooth and uninterrupted passage for the span of approximately one hour. The responsibility for managing these details falls on the police, who closely coordinate with relevant authorities to preempt and avoid any potential roadblocks.
Regarding the specific incident at hand, Msonda clarified that President Chakwera and his team were well aware of the funeral procession from Ndirande to HHI. Prior arrangements had been made for the president to pause briefly and offer condolences to the bereaved family. Msonda emphasized that if such an arrangement had not been made, the presidential convoy would have chosen an alternative route, bypassing the procession via Chirimba.
Msonda also highlighted that even during the tenure of former President Peter Mutharika, similar precautionary measures were taken. Ugly scenes and potential disruptions in Lilongwe prompted the presidential convoy to take alternative routes, detouring through Bunda, Gateway Mall, Area 49, Gulliver, the Interchange, Parliament, and finally arriving at State House. These measures ensured that the convoy was shielded from potential disturbances, demonstrating the impossibility of individuals stopping a presidential convoy.
However, Msonda’s clarifications raised questions about his mandate to shed light on the incident. Some wondered if it was the role of the presidential spokesperson or government security personnel to provide necessary information in such cases. Critics speculated about Msonda’s intentions, suggesting he sought personal favors from President Chakwera, while others believed he spoke out of his familiarity with the operational aspects of presidential convoys.
Regardless of the motivations behind Msonda’s remarks, it underscores the urgent necessity for an organized and unified approach to civic education. The responsibility to clarify such issues should be jointly shared by relevant government authorities, presidential spokespersons, and security personnel. By ensuring consistent and accurate information dissemination, citizens can be better equipped with knowledge regarding the functioning of presidential convoys and, in turn, enhance the democratic fabric of the nation.
In light of this incident, it is imperative that Malawi invest in robust civic education programs that empower individuals with a comprehensive understanding of the country’s laws and procedures. Such initiatives can help foster active citizenship, where citizens understand their rights, duties, and the processes involved in various aspects of governance. By educating the young and the adults alike, Malawi can build a future generation that is not only knowledgeable but also adept in upholding the democratic values that underpin the nation.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the misconceptions surrounding President Chakwera’s convoy incident, it is high time that relevant stakeholders collaborate to institutionalize civic education and promote awareness about the roles, responsibilities, and processes associated with the presidency. Through a cohesive and concerted effort, Malawi can pave the way toward a society that thrives on informed discourse, transparency, and accountability.
The incident serves as a wake-up call for Malawians to recognize the vital importance of civic education. By becoming active participants in their own democracy, citizens will play a crucial role in shaping the present and future of Malawi, ensuring peaceful coexistence, and upholding the principles of good governance.
Company Secretary for Salima Sugar Company Limited, Charles Thupi says they will participate in Malawi National Day event planned to take place on 7th February at Doha Expo in Qatar.
In an interview on Friday, Thupi said they are excited to participate in Doha Expo during Malawi National Day as they will be marketing their products at a high-level market with an expectation of getting lucrative deals for their products as well as marketing Malawi nation.
Chief Executive Officer for Malawi Investment Trade Centre (MITC), Paul Kwengere
“I believe that participating at this event is very important to us as a country because we will be showcasing our products, especially the newly introduced brigades which are made from sugar by-products and they are environmentally friendly to help in reducing effects of environmental degradation,” said Thupi.
“We will be carrying our Salima Sugar which we intend to sell there and at the same time looking forward to having some trade and investments discussions with investors in Qatar with an aim of wooing them to invest in our country, ” added Thupi.
In his remarks, Chief Executive Officer for Malawi Investment Trade Centre (MITC), Paul Kwengere said Malawi has been invited by the Government of the state of Qatar to hold a Malawi National Day event at Doha Expo in order to showcase Malawi’s products and have trade and investments meetings.
“Yes, Malawi has been invited to participate in Doha Expo and the nation has been given a special day to showcase its products, services as well as hold business to business meetings with different investors,” said Kwengwere.
He further said Malawi government through MITC will mount pavilions to showcase its products and services to the world and an International Bazaar to sell its products.
“Malawi National Day event is very important to Malawian business people as Middle East has high net incomes and is a big importer of food which gives Malawi a comparative advantage for generation of foreign exchange through export trade and foreign direct investment,” said Kwengwere.
Some organizations who have confirmed participation are Salima Sugar Company, Maleta Gems and Jewelry as well as North East Foods.
MITC is coordinating Malawi’s participation at the on-going Expo 2023 Doha which started on October 2, 2023.
The Expo which is running under the theme ‘Green Desert, Better Environment’ will take 179 days and it will end on 29th March 2024.
A Tanzanian based mining, exploration, oil and gas company, Azurite Management and Consultancy, has been launched in Malawi with an aim of giving professional and technical assistance to the mining industry in the country.
Speaking during the launch at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Friday, Minister of Mining Monica Chang’anamuno, hailed the launch of the company saying it will boost the mining sector in the country as it will be working with different companies in the sector.
Minister of Mining Monica Chang’anamuno,
Chang’anamuno emphasised the importance of having such companies saying they are well experienced in the mining sector thereby helping in economic development.
“We are happy to launch this company as it will be giving services to large scale businesses that are into mining. Azurite Management and Consultancy is a company that is heavily grounded in the mining sector. The company aims to provide unparalleled expertise and support to mining companies,” Chang’anamuno said.
She added that Malawi Government is trying its best to give the private sector a conducive environment for them to come in with their different businesses.
Azurite Management and Consultancy Business Development Manager, Siziwe Mkandawire said Azurite saw that many people in the country lacked a professional advisor in the mining industry hence the launch of the company.
“We are here to explore possibilities in the mining industry like mining in Karonga and Balaka. As such, we want to give solutions to the problems which clients face in this industry,” she said.
Azurite Management and Consultancy will be working in collaboration with Malawi Government to create a productive mining industry.
Azurite Management and Consultancy Business Development Manager, Siziwe Mkandawire
