By Rahim Abdul
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) National Campaign Director and Member of Parliament for Dedza Mlunduni Constituency, Moses Kunkuyu Kalongashawa, has called on President Arthur Peter Mutharika to take a more active regional leadership role amid ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Kunkuyu says he initially welcomed news of the President’s travel to South Africa, believing it could involve urgent engagement on the protection of Africans, including Malawians, who have recently been affected by violent xenophobic incidents.
However, he says his expectations changed after learning that the visit was private, despite Malawi currently chairing the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
The MCP official argues that the current situation presents a critical leadership moment for President Mutharika to speak on behalf of Malawians and other Africans facing hostility in South Africa.
Kunkuyu notes that while government efforts to repatriate affected citizens are commendable, including the return of about 150 Malawians, the solution goes beyond transportation back home.
He says many Malawians in South Africa have invested heavily over the years, building businesses, acquiring property and establishing families legally and are now at risk of losing everything due to xenophobic attacks.
According to Kunkuyu, what affected citizens need most is strong regional leadership that can engage South African authorities and ensure protection of lives, property and dignity.
He further stresses that Malawi’s position as chair of the SADC Organ places the country in a strategic position to lead discussions on human rights protection within the region.
The MCP campaign director says sending buses home and organizing receptions for returnees is not enough, arguing that more proactive diplomatic intervention is required.
He warns that failure to act decisively could result in long-term economic and social consequences for affected families, some of whom may never recover from their losses.
Kunkuyu has therefore urged President Mutharika to rise to the occasion and demonstrate leadership, saying the moment requires courage and regional responsibility.
He says his appeal is not personal, adding that he would make the same call to any leader chairing the SADC Organ at the time, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania.
