MCP, PP endorse Sept 7 protests

By Feston Malekezo

[dropcap]M[/dropcap]alawi Congress Party (MCP) and Peoples Party (PP) has asked their supporters to take to the streets on September 7 in  peaceful protests organised by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the banner Human Rights Defenders Coalition

The endorsement from the two political parties is in response to a letter which CSOs have written various institutions asking for support.

 “Malawi Congress Party abides by the law and the constitution of the land. The demonstrations are enshrined in the Republican Constitution and we can only wish them (CSOs) well even supporters of the Malawi Congress Party are free to take part,” Rev. Maurice Munthali, MCP’s spokesperson.

Among other issues, the CSOs are concerned that government has failed to address corruption in the country, and abuse of funds in statutory corporations such as Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi alleging that fuel worth K1.9 billion meant for generators has been stolen.

The human rights defenders are also calling for the resignation of Anti-Corruption Bureau Director General Reyneck Matemba who they have accused of being partisan.

The other party backing the protests is the People’s Party. The party’s spokesperson Noah Chimpeni described the demands that the CSOs are pushing for as genuine.

“Demonstrations are provided for in the constitution. Everybody has the right to demonstrate. So if it a question of us supporting the demonstrations obviously we will… Some of those who go for demonstrations are obviously our supporters so if these CSOs have genuine issues we will surely ask our supporters to demonstrate,” he said.

The human rights defenders have also written the quasi-religious body Public Affairs Committee and ruling DPP on the same.

DPPs spokesperson, Nicholas Dausi, described CSOs as hypocritical.

Newly launched United Transformation Movement’s spokesperson, Joseph Chidanti Malunga acknowledged receipt of the letter but said the movement will make the decision later.

The human rights defenders have organised the protests after being dissatisfied with the executive response to its 10 point petition delivered during the April 10 demonstrations.

The government responded to the petition on July 19, 2018 which the CSOs argue the executive only tackled 10 percent of their concerns.