Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has called on Malawians to celebrate the country’s progress in upholding human rights.
Speaking at Mangochi Stadium on Tuesday during the commemoration of 2024 International Human Rights Day, Dr. Usi emphasized the importance of recognizing courageous human rights defenders worldwide.
Malawi has made notable strides in promoting and protecting citizens’ rights, with efforts by the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) over the past 25 years
Michael Usi
Dr. Usi stressed that this progress is a testament to the tireless work of human rights defenders, who often face adversity in their pursuit of justice, equality, and dignity for all.
The Vice President urged Malawians to respect and appreciate human rights defenders, both locally and globally.
He also emphasized the need for stakeholders to continue upholding human rights principles, both domestically and internationally.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Malawi,Rebecca Addah-Dontoh, commended Malawi’s efforts in upholding human rights, citing the government’s commitment to improving livelihoods and combating gender-based violence.
The event, commemorated under the theme “Our Right, Our Future, Right Now,” served as a reminder of the fundamental rights that belong to all individuals.
Malawi is set to receive a US$20 million loan from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the construction of the Mangochi-Makanjira Road in Mangochi.
In an interview,Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara, President Lazarus Chakwera’s recent engagement with the Director General for Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, Mohamed Saif Al Suwadi, was instrumental in securing the loan.
Jacob Hara
He expressed pride in the development, stating that it unlocks full funding for the project.
Hara noted that co-financiers were previously hesitant to commence the project due to funding uncertainties.
“With the Abu Dhabi Fund’s commitment, construction is expected to begin soon, with procurement processes for consultants and contractors already underway.
“The road project is expected to enhance tourism in Mangochi, which boasts some of the most beautiful beaches on Lake Malawi.
“The project aligns with President Chakwera’s Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining (ATM) strategy, which aims to promote economic growth and development,” he said.
The Minister added that during his visit, President Chakwera also presented an investment pack to UAE investors, highlighting opportunities in agriculture, among other sectors.
Malawi has approximately 1.3 million hectares of arable land available for agricultural investment.
President Dr.Lazarus Chakwera has expressed optimism that his recent visit to the United Arab Emirates(UAE) will pave the way for significant improvements in addressing fuel shortages and supply challenges in the country.
Speaking upon arrival at Kamuzu International Airport(KIA) in Lilongwe on Tuesday, President Chakwera emphasised the productive discussions he had with President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan regarding innovative strategies to support the revival of Malawi’s development agenda.
The President also stated that he engaged with various leaders in the UAE who are dedicated to enhancing fuel availability and stability in the country.
He also stated that he took the opportunity of his visit, to meet prospective investors interested in a range of investment opportunities in Malawi.
President Chakwera said soon,a memorandum of understanding (MOU) will be signed to solidify these promising initiatives and foster economic growth.
The President was welcomed at KIA by cabinet ministers, government and party officials.
Malawi is bracing itself for the impact of Tropical Storm Chido, which is expected to make landfall in Mozambique on Saturday evening, December 14, 2024.
The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) has issued a warning, advising the public to seek shelter in sturdy buildings during thunderstorms until they dissipate.
According to the latest update from the DCCMS, Tropical Storm Chido has formed to the northeast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean and is expected to move into the Mozambique Channel.
Malawi has had a number of storms in the past
Weather models suggest that the storm will make landfall near Nacala, approximately 500 km from the Mulanje district in Malawi.
The DCCMS is actively tracking the progress of Chido and will keep the nation informed of any important updates concerning the tropical storm’s intensification and movement.
Meanwhile, the department is anticipating an increase in rainfall in some areas of the country in the coming days, driven by an unstable easterly air mass.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary,” said a spokesperson for the DCCMS. “We urge the public to take necessary precautions and seek shelter in sturdy buildings during thunderstorms until they dissipate.”
The DCCMS has also advised the public to stay informed through various channels, including the department’s website, social media, and WhatsApp.
The department will issue regular updates on the storm’s progress and any necessary warnings or advisories.
Tropical Storm Chido is the third storm to form in the Indian Ocean this season, following Tropical Storms Haryali and Idai.
The storm’s impact on Malawi is expected to be significant, with heavy rainfall and strong winds potentially causing damage to property and infrastructure.
The Malawi government has been preparing for the storm’s arrival, with emergency services on high alert.
The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DDMA) has also been activated to coordinate relief efforts.
“We are working closely with the DCCMS and other stakeholders to ensure that we are prepared for the storm’s impact,” said a spokesperson for the DDMA. “We urge the public to take necessary precautions and stay informed through official channels.”
As the storm approaches, the public is advised to Stay informed through official channels, including the DCCMS website, social media, and WhatsApp
Furthermore the public is asked to seek shelter in sturdy buildings during thunderstorms until they dissipate and avoid traveling to areas that are expected to be affected by the storm.
The DCCMS will issue regular updates on the storm’s progress and any necessary warnings or advisories.
The public is urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
President and Commander in Chief of Muvi wa Chilungamo Revolutionary Party (MRP) Bantu Saunders Jumah, has congratulated Agnes Nyalonje for resigning in the Chakwera’s led MCP government saying she has proved to the nation that she is a true patriot for Malawi.
Jumah said Nyalonje has break history after 59 years ago when in 1964 about 9 or 10 Ministers resigned from the first Cabinet made by the country’s first President the late Ngwazi Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda and this time, the women who has resigned.
Nyalonje
He said Nyalonje has chosen to leave everything she was receiving be salaries, terminal benefits, luxurious life and cars, international travels and has gone for integrity saying this alone has been proved that she entered politics not for self-enrichment.
Speaking through a Revolutionary voice, Jumah said there are many people who are not satisfied with the way President Chakwera is running government but they cannot speak out their mind and if they are speaking, is in their bedrooms.
“Nyalonje has set the example which shall live to be remembered in the country’s history for lifethat there was one woman traumatized with the tragic death of Dr. Saulosi Chilima resigned from an MCP Cabinet to mourn Dr. Chilima outside Cabinet,” he said.
Jumah has reminded Malawians that in June, 2020 Malawians voted into government Tonse Alliance and not MCP observing that all the partners that formed Tonse Alliance have left government except one and only Umodzi Party.
He has asked political scientists in Malawi, stakeholders and legal practitioners why are they afraid of speaking the truth that Malawi has no government observing that many people are happy with this and are afraid of speaking out while they know the truth and justice.
The MRP President said if all the partners have left government leaving the UTM in government the Alliance was standing because MCP and UTM are the main partners expressing his sadness that the country is going astray and awkward while people are just seeing this happening passing their eyes.
“When you see a Minister resigning, this is clearly speaking for itself that Malawi has no government, has a President who is not a leader,” said Jumah.
He said after the pulling out of UTM from the Alliance, it was the expectation of many people that the country will be run by an Interim Government but this has not happened till today with all learned Judges happy for this.
On 50+1 majority vote, Jumah has demanded the Malawi Parliament to put in place mechanisms that will be followed in the case that no one wins the elections by 50+1 what’s next? warning Malawians that if this not been done, Malawi will be in another disaster more than that of Tonse Alliance.
