MALAWI: Freedom for sale

  1. Posted on Tuesday 8 March 2011 - 12:00
    FRAZER POTANI
    Image of FRAZER POTANI
    Frazer Potani, AfricaNews reporter in Lilongwe, Malawi
    Malawians wishing to hold demonstrations in the country must first pay K2 million [over $13, 000] deposit to the Malawi Police Service (MPS), according to President Bingu wa Mutharika speaking over the weekend at the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) mass rally at the 25,000 capacity Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
    bingu mutharika
    “Law or no law in place the money must be paid in cash before a demonstration in case property is damaged to cover for damaged property because government will not be responsible for such damages,” said Mutharika while clad in his party’s blue colours.

    The President further challenged the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) who are planning to go into the street to dare.

    “If you are planning to go into the street do it we will meet there,” he said.

    Mutharika further reminded the opposition, CSOs, donors, and his administration’s critics that he is in control of the country’s state of affairs.

    “There is one government and one person in control at a time. So I am the one in control,” said the President.

    He further called upon his party members in ranks and file to walk tall saying their party has unlike the previous administrations brought social economic development within a short time.

    Mutharika also said he has been patient enough with his critics’ disrespectful utterances against him hence urged his party members to deal with them.

    According to Malawi’s Constitution citizens have the right to freely hold peaceful demonstrations on matters of their concern.

    However, on Thursday March 3, Martyrs Day - a day which Malawians remember fallen heroes who had fought against British colonialists heavily armed police officers in Blantyre blocked an annual parade by Nanzikambe Arts and Development (NAD) despite clearance from city fathers.

    Southern Region Police spokesperson Davie Chingwalu defended the move saying NAD were just covering up for the Norwegian Embassy who wanted to demonstrate in contravention to international rules that were agreed in Geneva restraining foreigners demonstrating in host nation.

    On Monday February 14 this year police also foiled a planned demonstration on fuel and forex shortage in Lilongwe by arresting some CSOs leaders.

    The matters come on the heels after the opposition, Catholic Bishops, private media, CSOs as well as donors have criticized Malawi Government of despite making some achievements practicing bad governance and human rights violations.

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