Top political figures preach peace among Malawians
The main contenders for the Malawi government top seat, President Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and former state president Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), yesterday urged citizens to desist from political violence while prioritizing the development agenda.
The MCP President Chakwera appealed to Malawians to be cautious of selfish individuals who constantly undermine his government on Monday morning at the Eid al-Fitr prayers in Salima, to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan among Muslims.
The president said some people are exploiting crises such as cyclone-induced hunger to turn Malawians against the governing MCP. He therefore advised the citizenry to remain vigilant and not fall prey to these tactics.
“A divided nation cannot progress, stating that Malawians need to unite for the country to develop across various sectors,” Chakwera said.
On the other end, his political rival, Peter Mutharika has criticized the government over what he terms as discriminatory remarks against traders of Asian origin.
This comes as President Lazarus Chakwera accuses the opposition DPP of conniving with some Asian traders on trading malpractices as cartels.
Chakwera claims the cartels hoard essential products and hike prices of basic commodities in order to tarnish the image of the government.
But Mutharika said such remarks are harming the country’s economy, which is already near collapse.
Mutharika, also popularly known as APM, cited massive budget deficit, high inflation, and the debt burden.
Meanwhile, he urged Muslims including all Malawians to be unified for the country to realize its development agenda.
Mutharika said: “We commend your devotion, self-discipline, and generosity during Ramadan. As you gather with family and friends to share the joy of Eid, May Allah accept your fasting, prayers, and good deeds. Let us continue to uphold the spirit of love, compassion, and togetherness beyond this blessed month.”
In a political statement, UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe was in Mangochi for the celebratory prayers where he mentioned the party’s plans to make the lakeshore district one of the big cities in the country
Scores of Malawians joined the Muslim community in celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadan which started earlier this month.
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