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Former UDF vice president Hashim Banda spotted at a UTM rally in Zomba

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By Burnett Munthali

The former United Democratic Front (UDF) vice president for the Eastern Region Hashim Banda , was on Sunday May 19, 2024 spotted at a United Transformation Movement (UTM) rally held at Chinamwali ground in Zomba.

Banda resigned from UDF in March this year.

The rally featured addresses by senior UTM officials, including Secretary General Patricia Kaliati and Publicity Secretary Felix Njawala.

The event was a hub of activity, with various individuals and groups present, including hawkers, activists, security personnel, entertainers, and politicians.



In this context, Banda’s attendance at the UTM rally is notable, given his former affiliation with UDF.

His presence may indicate a shift in political allegiance or a desire to explore new political affiliations.

However, without further information, the reasons behind his attendance remain unclear.

Rallies serve as a platform for communication among speakers, attendees, and media audiences.

They involve a complex production process, with multiple stakeholders working together to convey messages, which can be reinforced, undermined, or complicated by the various participants.

Wave of political violence is unacceptable- Namalomba

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By Burnett Munthali

The Democratic Progressive Party DPP has condemned the continued political violence perpetrated by the Malawi Congress Party MCP against opposition parties in the country as Malawi prepares for 2025 general elections.

Shadric Namalomba who is the Presidential and party spokesperson says the latest political violence was inflicted on AFORD members on Friday 17 th May 2024 in Mponela where they were doing preparatory rehearsals for their mega rally scheduled to take place on Sunday 19 th May 2024. Women and young men were beaten, phones snatched and party regalia stolen.

Namalomba

According to a letter signed by Honourable Shadric Namalomba, he says this dad situation cones at a time when citizens area are celebrating 30 years of democracy in Malawi. The DPP warns the MCP and it’s entire leadership that people do not want one party dictatorship and the cruel MCP state but democracy . The DPP is shocked that although the MCP had benefited from the fruits of democracy which the party strongly opposed, the MCP and their President Reverend Lazarus Chakwera are in the forefront of inflicting political violence on the opposition. The silence of President Chakwera in political violence tells it all.

“The wave of MCP violence is unacceptable,” part of the letter reads.

The DPP has since called on the Malawi Police Service to investigate and arrest the perpetrators of all political violence.

Early this year, MCP members armed with axes, stones, panga knives, sticks and catapults wore masks in and disguised themselves damaged cars, injured and scattered Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) members who gathered on Saturday 24 February, 2024 at Mbowe filling Station in Lilongwe. Many innocent victims were attacked and some women were raped in the process at Mbowe filling station on Saturday 24 February 2024. It was strongly alleged the thugs  were from the Malawi Congress Party as one of the vehicles belonging to an MCP official was seen carrying and dropping some of the thugs at Mbowe in that day.

In March 2024, The Malawi Police Service (MPS), for the first time, blamed political leaders for fanning political violence.

National Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya said violence during electioneering could end if political leaders controlled their youth.

MCP disappointed with political violence allegations by AFORD

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By Burnett Munthali

Malawi Congress Party(MCP) says it is disappointed with allegations of political violence alleged by Alliance for Democracy(AFORD) which claims that AFORD and members were beaten and their property stolen.

According to a letter written and signed by MCP National publicity secretary Honorable Peter Ezekiel Ching’oma, it is not an investigation found that Alliance for Democracy  claims are nothing but cheap propaganda aimed at getting public sympathy.

Ezekiel Ching’oma

Honorable Peter claims that it has become common practice for the opposition in the country do fabricate stories of harassment and political violence.

Reads part of the letter: “In the case of Alliance for democracy they have been able to conduct to political rallies without any disruption which raises questions why all of a sudden they claim to be victimized today. Interestingly these claims come just days after we both emerged of a rift between Alliance for democracy Member of Parliament Hon Yeremia Chihana and party president Enoch Chihana.”

MCP says it believes in freedom of association and would never allow its members to be engaged in political violence against the opposition.

The party plans to be committed to upholding the principles of democracy and respecting the freedoms and rights of all people.

Meanwhile,the former ruling Democratic Progressive Party( DPP) has condemned the continued political violence perpetrated by the MCP against opposition parties in the country as Malawi prepares for 2025 general elections.

President Chakwera calls for unity, reconciliation among Malawians

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By Chisomo Phiri

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has  called on Malawians to put aside their differences and come together as one people.

Speaking during the enthronement of Bishop William Mchombo, the third Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the Upper Shire, at St. Peters and Paul Cathedral in Mangochi on Saturday, President Chakwera emphasized that despite our varied tribes, political beliefs, and religious affiliations, we are all children of God and must work towards a common goal.

“Today is a day of celebration. Let us rejoice in our unity and our shared humanity,” President Chakwera exclaimed.

“As we gather in this sacred place, let us remember that we are all one in God’s image. Let us promote our country with pride and celebrate the achievements of our fellow Malawians who are making a positive impact across the world,” he added.

The President also emphasized the importance of unity in development, urging citizens to support and appreciate the progress made by our predecessors and current leaders.

“Let us stand together in development and governance, and let us be proud of our achievements. We are stronger together,” said Chakwera.

On his part, Archbishop Dr. Albert Chama, Head of the Anglican Province of Central Africa, echoed the President’s sentiments, urging the new Bishop to love and guide both the church and the government.

He said:”It has not been an easy journey, but we have kept praying and trusting in God’s plan. We thank God for this new chapter in our journey together.”

Bishop Mchombo, who was born in Zambia to Malawian parents, promised to collaborate with the government in development and governance.

“I am humbled to serve this great nation and its people. Let us work together towards a brighter future for all Malawians,” he said.

The ceremony was attended by senior religious leaders and followers from the Anglican diocese, as well as government officials, including Speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara and Cabinet Ministers.

Fake Facebook account lands Mzuzu ‘Pastor’ in hot water

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By Chisomo Phiri

A Mzuzu-based ‘pastor’ Azimenye Michael Sikwese has been arrested for creating a fake Facebook account allegedly impersonating businessperson Triephonia Mpinganjira.

According to a statement from Lingadzi Police in Lilongwe, Sikwese was using the account to trick unsuspecting social media users with intent of attracting more followers.

The Police said their investigations have revealed that Sikwese has different Facebook accounts and one of them identifies him as a pastor.

Azimenye Michael Sikwese

“The suspect is allegedly using the account with nasty posts, which the victim felt were assassinating her character and defaming her integrity,” reads the Police statement, which has been signed by Lingadzi Police Station publicist Cassim Manda.

The Police has further warned the public against the use of a picture of another person without consent as it is a violation to personal privacy.

Sikwese hails from Traditional Authority(T/A) Mwaulambya in Chitipa.

He will soon appear in court to answer a charge of cyber spamming contrary to Section 91 of the Electronic Transaction and Cyber Security Act.