BLANTYRE—Malawians have on Tuesday sent strong message to partisan human rights activists that they are not ready to be used again as low turn up characterized protests organized by Human Rights Ambassadors (HRA).
The HRA took to the streets today, accusing President Lazarus Chakwera and Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima of failing to fulfill what they promised during campaign ahead of the court-sanctioned Fresh Presidential Election.
However, some Malawians have told Shire Times that they did not take part in the protests considering the fact that the organizers are those who benefited from the plunder and looting during the former governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
For instance, Billy Banda of Malawi Watch, who was always on Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) defending the corrupt Peter Mutharika administration, was today on the forefront calling Malawians to rise against Chakwera.
“It’s very unfortunate that Mr. Nakoma and Billy Banda still have the guts to organize protests against the current regime. These are the people who remained quiet when DPP was tormenting us left, right and centre.
“It is true that things have gone haywire but Mr. Nakoma and Billy Banda have no moral authority to speak on behalf of Malawians,” said one Blantyre resident who opted to speak on condition of anonymity.
Speaking to journalists, Steve Chimwaza, Spokesperson of the grouping said among other issues they want government to address economic challenges facing the nation including the rising cost of living.
The grouping also wants government to address issues of employment as jobs are hard to attain more especially for the youth who were highly put on the government agenda.
There were misunderstandings between the Malawi Police Service and the HRA ahead of the demonstrations as Police claimed the HRA did not seek due permission.
Earlier, the demonstrations started without Police escort but after a lengthy talk, police provided security.
Chimwaza has since said the protests will also take place in the other regions later on.
Human Rights Ambassadors have presented their petition to Blantyre City council in which they are calling for the resignation of President Lazarus Chakwera, his Vice Dr. Saulos Chilima, National Assembly Speaker Gotani Hara and leader of opposition, Kondwani Nankhumwa.
