Critics describe Chakwera’s airport directive as suspicious

A governance critic is demanding an explanation for President Lazarus Chakwera’s recent directive banning military parades, political dances, and press briefings on the airport apron during his travels.

In an executive order issued yesterday, after nearly five years of regular internal and external flights, Chakwera stated that such activities disrupt airport services.

However, political and governance commentator George Phiri suspects there may be more to the directive than meets the eye and is calling on the President to provide full transparency.

“How is it disrupting services now? It would have been better if he had announced this before leaving the country, as this has been the tradition. This is an unusual move. Are these activities potentially endangering his life in any way? We need to understand what has prompted this directive,” Phiri said.

Also weighing in on the matter is Michael Kaiyatsa, executive director of the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR).

“While we agree that such activities can disrupt airport services, we have noted the directive. Why make this decision now? Is this a political move or a genuine concern? It’s hard to say at this point. However, the timing and the reasoning behind it seem suspicious,” Kaiyatsa commented.