By Joel Chirwa & George Bulombola

Minister of Local Government Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda has appealed to politicians in the country to refrain from propelling hate speeches to avoid creating divisions amongst Malawians.

He was speaking Saturday at Zolozolo Cemetery in Mzuzu during the 13th anniversary commemoration prayer service for 21 people who were killed on July 20, 2011 by police during anti-government protests.

Chimwendo Banda said hate speeches have the potential to create anger and incite people in taking unnecessary measures in seeking solutions to both social, economic and political issues.

“Let us promote behaviors that can bring peaceful political coexistence in the country to avoid similar incidents which led to the death of the 20 people during anti- government protests which could have been avoided in multiparty democracy.

We need not to continue politicking by promoting violence. Our words must go towards building national unity.  We have encountered enough problems in the form of natural disasters. This is not the time to create artificial problems. We cannot achieve anything through violence,” said Chimwendo Banda.

Representative of the bereaved families, Mercy Mbezuma Mfune appealed to the government to assist members of the families with soft loans for them to embark in small-scale business besides providing bereaved children with fees to pursue their education and vocational training.

“Some of the people who were killed had dependents who were in schools but now have dropped out because they cannot manage to pay school fees. Some had families and their spouses and children cannot make ends meet,” said Mbezuma.

Mbezuma said the families of those who were killed have on several occasions appealed for support from previous government administrations but their efforts have not achieved anything.

She however commended the government for providing both material and financial support towards the commemoration.

Vice President for Alliance for Democracy (Aford), Timothy Mtambo appealed to the government to compensate the bereaved families.

“Let me advise politicians against using this event for political gains. This should teach us a lesson to avoid repeating the same,” said Mtambo.

Deputy Secretary General of CCAP Synod of Livingstonia, Isaiah Mhone advised politicians against using young people to cause havoc under the pretext that they are supporting their parties.

“We are preparing for general elections which are scheduled for next year and if youth are used to perpetrating violence, we may not have peaceful elections as such we need to see a change in the way our politics is conducted in our country,” said Mhone.

Notable people who attended the service include Minister of Defence, Harry Mkandawire who is also Malawi Congress Party Vice President for the north, President for Aford, Enock Chihana, human rights activist for Nyika Institute, Moses Mkandawire, senior government officials, civil society organizations, clergy and leaders of political parties.

The event which was held under the theme ‘Towards healing and closure’ started with a procession from Mzuzu Technical College led by the clergy from CCAP Synod of Livingstonia, human rights activists, members of the bereaved families and sympathizers.