Mzuzu University (MZUNI) and the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture (MLGUC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance knowledge, research, and outreach services.
The signing ceremony was held in Mponela, Dowa on Wednesday.
In his speech,MZUNI Vice Chancellor Professor Wales Singini emphasized the university’s commitment to evolving beyond its traditional role.
He highlighted that collaboration with various stakeholders is essential for the university to achieve its goals and meet the demands of the community.
Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Elizabeth Gomani Chindevu, expressed her optimism about the partnership.
She mentioned that the ministry anticipates significant benefits from the MOU, particularly in conducting research across various fields pertinent to both MZUNI and the ministry.
The partnership is a significant step forward for both MZUNI and the MLGUC, and it will be exciting to see the positive impact it will have on the community.
Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) Vice President Timothy Mtambo has publicly stated he harbors no hard feelings toward the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), positioning himself and his party above partisan conflicts as they look toward the 2025 general elections. Speaking during a joint opposition conference, Mtambo emphasized his vision of a collaborative approach to governance, hinting that the political landscape will shift significantly in the coming year.
“I have no personal grudge or hard feelings against the DPP,” said Mtambo, in a bid to downplay any potential conflicts with the former ruling party. His comments underscore his commitment to uniting opposition forces with a common goal of addressing Malawi’s needs and preparing for the leadership transition he envisions.
Mtambo and other opposition figures
Mtambo expressed confidence that the political parties gathering at the conference today will form the next government in 2025, showcasing a shared resolve among opposition leaders. “The political parties present here will lead Malawi into a new era come 2025,” he remarked, signifying a readiness among opposition forces to rally behind a collective agenda.
The conference has brought together various opposition parties in a show of solidarity as they craft their vision for a Malawi governed with transparency, accountability, and social equity. AFORD’s leadership, including Mtambo, has been vocal in championing these principles and addressing citizens’ demands for improved governance and a responsive administration.
With the 2025 elections approaching, the opposition coalition aims to capitalize on growing public discontent and present a united front capable of winning over Malawians who seek change.
Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) Vice President Timothy Mtambo took a firm stand at an opposition press conference in Lilongwe, using a proverb to convey his commitment to transparency and justice in Malawi’s political arena. “If you want to know the dog’s owner, walk the dog and you’ll find out,” said Mtambo, suggesting that by closely scrutinizing actions, the true intentions of political leaders become clear.
Addressing the assembled media alongside other opposition leaders, Mtambo emphasized his dedication to defending Malawi’s democracy without fear. Reflecting on the resistance movements of 2019 and 2020, he vowed to continue the same fight this year. “The battle we fought in 2019/2020, we will fight again this year,” he declared.
Timothy Mtambo at the Presser
A primary concern raised by Mtambo was the Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) association with Smartmatic, a technology firm proposed to manage electoral processes. He firmly stated that the opposition will not tolerate any influence that could compromise the fairness of the upcoming elections. “We don’t want bias; this election must be fair for everyone,” he said, emphasizing the opposition’s demand for impartiality and transparency.
Mtambo concluded with a powerful pledge to the nation: “We will die for this country, but not in your hands.” His statement resonated as a call for unity and commitment to democracy, highlighting his unwavering resolve to ensure that Malawi’s upcoming elections are conducted with integrity and free from manipulation.
As the 2025 elections approach, Mtambo’s speech reflects the opposition’s determination to advocate for the interests of Malawians, encouraging a vigilant and engaged citizenry to hold leaders accountable.
The business environment in Lilongwe has been severely disrupted following violent clashes between protestors planning to stage a demonstration and a group of youths wielding pangas, who have been stopping the protests.
The protest group, which had intended to hold a peaceful demonstration, was confronted by the armed youth, leading to chaos in the central part of the city. The conflict between the two groups has caused significant disruption, halting business activities in the area as shops and markets temporarily closed to ensure the safety of customers and traders.
Currently, the police can be seen observing the situation, but they have not taken any action to intervene as the youth continue to chase off protestors. This inaction has raised concerns about the ability of law enforcement to maintain public order and protect citizens’ right to peacefully assemble.
As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the growing tensions between groups with opposing political views have begun to take a toll on Lilongwe’s business operations, with many wondering when peace and stability will be restored to the capital city.
Opposition political parties have raised concerns over alleged efforts by certain groups to disrupt today’s planned demonstrations, which are aimed at addressing issues related to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and the National Registration Bureau (NRB). The protests, organized by opposition parties, are meant to pressure the government on electoral transparency and the functioning of the NRB. However, reports of intimidation and disturbances by some individuals have surfaced.
Namalomba
In an interview, Shadric Namalomba, a spokesperson for one of the opposition parties, confirmed that despite the presence of these disruptive groups, the demonstrations will continue as planned. He stated that some individuals, reportedly linked to the ruling party, have been attempting to hinder the protests by intimidating participants, including using pangas to chase people away. These groups, according to Namalomba, are likely trying to sabotage the protests by scaring off potential demonstrators.
Namalomba expressed surprise that those disrupting the protests seem to be focused on halting demonstrations specifically related to MEC and NRB. He also called on authorities to investigate the actions of these individuals, as they appear to be interfering with citizens’ rights to peacefully assemble.
Reports indicate that some of the individuals involved in the disruption are wearing face coverings, with others carrying pangas. They are allegedly blocking people from entering the Lilongwe Community Ground, the designated location for the protest.
In response to the accusations, MCP spokesperson Jessie Kabwila dismissed the claims, calling on the opposition parties to provide concrete evidence that these individuals were sent by the ruling party to disrupt the protests. Kabwila reiterated that the MCP is committed to democracy and that the accusations are unfounded without proof.
A video has surfaced showing some of these individuals carrying pangas at the protest site, further intensifying the tension surrounding the demonstrations.
As the situation continues to unfold, the opposition remains determined to continue their protests, emphasizing the importance of holding institutions like the MEC and NRB accountable to the people. The government, however, has yet to respond to the calls for a full investigation into the allegations of disruption.
