BY BLAIR MHONE
There was a sombre mood at Zolozolo Cemetery as Malawians remembered 20 people who brutally murdered by the former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) 11 years ago for protesting against the arrogance, intolerance and dictatorial tendencies of the late President Bingu wa Mutharika.
Former State Vice President Khumbo Kachali led the ceremony.
Speaking to families of the fallen demonstrators at the ceremony, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Education Elizabeth Gomani Chindebvu said government is in the final stages of establishing a Malawi Peace and Unity Commission which will be instrumental in Malawi’s pursuit for sustainable peace.
“Government is considering commemorating the achievements contributed by all our heroes on a special day, they contributed to peace and progress in the country so that is very important,” Chindevu said.
On his part, Khumbo Kachali, who represented the state president His Excellency Dr Lazarus Chakwera said a meaningful democracy should honour its martyrs like the July 20 victims.
“We cannot be celebrating our hardly won democracy without remembering the heroes we lost in the struggle to freedom,” Kachali said.
Representing CSOs at the event, human rights activist and Executive Director of Church and Society Moses Mkandawire asked politicians not to forget those who shed their blood for the country.
He went on to suggest that there should be one day to remember all those who died for a good cause since 1959.
Family representative of the victims, Mercy Mfune, has asked the government to fulfill its promise of giving the memorial the recognition and respect it deserves.
