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Paramount Chiefs Condole with President Chakwera

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Paramount Chiefs Condole with President Chakwera

By Burnett Munthali


Paramount Chiefs from various regions of Malawi recently paid a visit to Kamuzu Palace to offer their condolences to President Dr Lazarus Chakwera following the passing of Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima. The chiefs expressed their solidarity with the President during this period of mourning and emphasized the need for support and encouragement.

Paramount Chief Kawinga of Machinga, who led the delegation, highlighted the importance of representing the sentiments of Malawian communities in offering condolences to President Chakwera. The delegation included distinguished leaders such as Paramount Chief Inkosi Yamakosi Mbelwa V of Mzimba, Paramount Chief Inkosi Yamakosi Gomani V of Ntcheu, Paramount Chief Kyungu of Karonga, Paramount Chief Lundu of Chikwawa, Paramount Chief Kawinga of Machinga, Paramount Chief Kaduya of Mulanje, and Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe of Rumphi.

Kyungu and President Chakwera



The visit underscored the traditional leaders’ role in supporting national leadership during times of grief and loss. Paramount Chiefs expressed their commitment to unity and solidarity across Malawi, offering their condolences as a sign of respect and support to President Chakwera and the nation as a whole.

This gesture reflects the deep-rooted cultural traditions of empathy and communal support within Malawi, where traditional leaders play a pivotal role in both ceremonial and advisory capacities. As the nation mourns the loss of Vice President Chilima, such acts of condolence from traditional leaders serve to strengthen national cohesion and demonstrate solidarity with the highest levels of leadership in the country.

Differing Views Among Human Rights Activists Over Planned Demonstrations

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Differing Views Among Human Rights Activists Over Planned Demonstrations

By Burnett Munthali


In Malawi, a debate has arisen among prominent human rights activists regarding the upcoming nationwide demonstrations organized by concerned citizens, scheduled for next month. The discussions highlight contrasting perspectives on the timing and purpose of the protests.

Undule Mwakasungula, a well-known figure in Malawian activism, has expressed reservations about the timing of the demonstrations. He argues that the country is currently in a period of mourning following the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of the vice president and eight others earlier this month. Mwakasungula believes that initiating protests during this sensitive time could be seen as insensitive and may disrupt the national grieving process.

Undule

However, Mwakasungula’s stance has sparked criticism from some quarters, questioning his credibility as a human rights activist. Critics point to his past associations and alleged affiliations with political entities, including the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), which they claim may compromise his impartiality in addressing human rights issues. Some voices within the media have suggested that Mwakasungula’s influence in public discourse should be reevaluated, raising concerns about his perceived alignment with specific agendas rather than broader human rights advocacy.

The planned demonstrations aim to protest against economic hardships and perceived governance failures under the current MCP government. Supporters of the protests argue that they are exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression in calling for accountability and change.

The controversy surrounding Mwakasungula underscores ongoing debates within Malawi’s civil society about the role of activists and their responsibilities in advocating for societal change. It highlights the complexities of balancing political sensitivities with the fundamental rights of citizens to voice their grievances.

As the nation prepares for potential demonstrations, the divergent views among activists reflect broader societal divisions and the ongoing struggle for democratic participation and governance reform. The discussions underscore the importance of constructive dialogue and respectful engagement in addressing key issues facing Malawi’s socio-political landscape.

In conclusion, the debate over the impending demonstrations serves as a reminder of the diverse perspectives within Malawi’s human rights community. It calls for careful consideration of both the rights of citizens to protest and the ethical responsibilities of activists in advancing genuine human rights causes.

Malawian Students Advocate for Agricultural Innovation from China

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Malawian Students Advocate for Agricultural Innovation from China


By Burnett Munthali


Two Malawian students currently enrolled at China Agricultural University have highlighted critical gaps hindering agricultural productivity in Malawi. Shyrene Jere and Francina Lerato Kuwali, while conducting research, identified significant disparities among Malawi’s agricultural researchers, extension workers, and farmers, which are impeding crop production efforts in the country.

Shyrene Jere emphasized the urgent need to bridge these gaps, particularly noting their observations during research on Science and Technology Backyards (STB) at the Residential Training Center under the Mzuzu Agriculture Development Division in Mzuzu. This innovative approach aims to address challenges faced by farmers and optimize yield in their fields.



According to Francina Lerato Kuwali, the STB technology advocates for soil testing before cultivation. This method helps farmers determine the specific types of fertilizers and other inputs that are most suitable for enhancing crop growth in particular regions. By tailoring agricultural practices to local soil conditions, farmers can optimize resource use and improve productivity sustainably.

Macshamed Mhango, Principal of the Residential Training Center in Mzuzu, expressed optimism about the potential impact of STB technology if implemented nationwide. He highlighted that widespread adoption could empower more farmers across Malawi by enabling them to make informed decisions about their farming inputs. This, in turn, could lead to enhanced crop yields and overall agricultural productivity.

The insights provided by Shyrene Jere, Francina Lerato Kuwali, and Macshamed Mhango underscore the importance of integrating scientific innovations and tailored agricultural practices into Malawi’s farming sector. Addressing the disconnect between research, extension services, and farmers is crucial for overcoming productivity challenges and promoting sustainable agricultural development in the country.

As Malawi continues to explore avenues for agricultural improvement, initiatives like the STB technology offer promising solutions to enhance food security, livelihoods, and economic resilience among farming communities. By fostering collaboration between academia, extension services, and local farmers, Malawi can harness its agricultural potential more effectively and achieve greater food self-sufficiency.

Muvi wa Chilungamo calls on former presidents to give Chakwera sound advice

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Muvi wa Chilungamo calls on former presidents to give Chakwera sound advice

By Vincent Gunde

President and Commander in Chief of Muvi wa Chilungamo Revolutionary Party (MRP) Bantu Saunders Jumah, has called on former presidents Dr. Bakili Muluzi, Madam Dr. Joyce Banda and Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika to meet President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera to stop treating suspects of free speech as convicts.

Jumah said the nation is disappointed over Malawi Police Service (MPS) officers treating Hon. Kamlepo Kalua and activist Bon Kalindo detaining them in Salima and Blantyre respectively and keep on transferring them from one police station to another for reasons that can best be explained by the officers themselves.

President Chakwera



He said the arrest of Hon. Kalua and Bon Kalindo over free speech is speaking to itself that Malawi which was well known to be a peaceful country, is no longer a peaceful country, police is not using the Republican Constitution to arrest suspects of Cyber related crimes but MCP laws.

The MRP President said the MCP led government is doing everything possible to bring one-party dictatorship in the country by introducing mindset change in reverse claiming that detention without trial is the order of the day in the MCP.

He has questioned the MCP the motive behind moving suspects from one police station to another and away from their family members, relatives and friends who could be bringing food, beddings and clothes to them?

“The police have also issued a directive to arrest all speaking on circumstances surrounding Dr. Saulosi Chilima’s death, this is just stifling freedom of speech and press in Malawi, “said Jumah.

He said with the police directive, 20 million plus Malawians are on the risk to be arrested assuring the police that people are speaking and will not be silenced advising government that the best it could do is to establish a clear investigation and not fighting the mouth of people.

The MRP President has demanded three probes on Dr. Saulosi Chilima, one for church organizations, Civil Society Organizations and individuals, one for UTM and family members and that of government warning government that any investigations outside the three probes, Malawians will not accept it.

For transparent investigations, Jumah has proposed conditions such as sending on leave Commander of the MDF General Dr. Paul Velentino Phiri, Kamuzu International and Mzuzu Airport staff saying this will pave way for people to speak of their mind.

Jumah has made it clear that if their will be no accountability and transparency on the death of Dr. Saulosi Chilima, the Revolution coming in 2025 will exhume all the dead bodies to allow investigations to take place and Malawians will speak.

He has appealed to Malawians as voters in the 2025 elections that they should be very serious, keen and check who is a leader of sound mind to lead the country observing that Malawians trusted Dr. Lazarus Chakwera to lead them but has disappointed 20 million people and many are regretting to have voted for him into power.

UTM Party Set to Address Post-Mourning Political Landscape

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UTM Party Set to Address Post-Mourning Political Landscape


By Burnett Munthali


The UTM Party has announced its intention to end its silence on national political matters following the conclusion of the 21-day mourning period for its founder, Saulos Chilima, and eight others who tragically perished in a recent plane crash.

Since the passing of Chilima, who served as the country’s vice-president, significant political developments have unfolded within the UTM Party. These include discussions regarding the party’s leadership succession, its future political direction, and the circumstances surrounding the absence of senior members from the swearing-in ceremony of newly-appointed Vice-President Michael Usi in Parliament on Friday.

Njawala

Under the provisions of the UTM Party constitution, Michael Usi automatically assumed the position of vice-president following his role as Chilima’s running mate in the 2019 elections. However, the absence of senior party figures from the swearing-in ceremony has raised questions and speculation within political circles.

The UTM Party’s forthcoming statement is eagerly awaited by supporters and political analysts alike, as it is expected to shed light on the party’s internal dynamics, strategic plans, and its stance on key national issues moving forward.

As the mourning period draws to a close, the political landscape in Malawi stands poised for potential shifts and realignments, with the UTM Party’s next steps likely to influence the country’s political discourse and future direction significantly.

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