Several hours ago, the country was featuring nationwide demonstrations
organized by Consumer Association of Malawi (CAMA) during which they presented
a petition to government for it to look into specific economic and governance
issues that are affecting the citizens.
This was the first civil action on the streets of the
country since the July 20, 2011 protests that claimed 21 lives. It was against
such a barbaric background that many people viewed any street action by the
citizens as a big gamble.
Close to a thousand protestors marching peacefully on January 17 |
The outcome, however, is a great symbolic leap in as far as
civil rights are concerned. It sends home a point that Malawi has taken a turn
for the good within the past 10 months in which the country has changed
regimes.
Nine months into her Presidency, Joyce Banda is proving to
be an ideal leader every Malawian can look up to for emotional shelter,
motherly love and wisdom.
When the idea of nationwide demonstrations was being hatched
months ago many people were busy reminiscing the July 20 scenario.
July 20 demonstrators filled Victoria Avenue to voice their concerns against the Bingu regime |
Was she going to confront the organizers, was she going to
use the Presidential voice to gain sympathy or instill fear?
Joyce Banda chose a different path altogether and it took
many by surprise. She let the constitution go unhampered and gave people a nod
they never expected.
This time around there was no repeat of intimidatory scenes as was the case on July 19, 2011 |
“Kwa amene akufuna
kupanga zionetsero asiyeni apange, ine sindingawaletse chifukwa ndi ufulu wao”
(those who want to demonstrate can go ahead; I have no powers to deny them
their constitutional right). This is all she could say.
It was in sharp contrast with the period preceding July 20
period when late Bingu wa Mutharika called upon his supporters to defend him; a
time when when he christened them as cadets on May 15, 2011 and gave them a new
role to be his development and security apparatus.
This time around Joyce Banda did not call anyone by strange
and provocative names such as ankhwezule and
she did not send her party stalwarts to terrorize fellow citizens prior to the
march. She did not send any chap to obtain an injunction in the night to suppress
the voices of the masses.
Sad moments like the July 20 deaths helped Joyce Banda realize the need to leave the constitution intact |
Instead she threw her weight behind the Constitution and focused
on her official engagements job as she welcomed two Heads of State, AU Chair
and Benin President Yayi Boni and Kenya President Mwai Kibaki. It is this kind
of conduct by the President that facilitated a smooth consumer action across the
country.
This Presidential behavior is a good learning process for
all political leaders who aspire for the high office in future. Brute-like
conduct begets brutality while civility yields peace all the time.
The Malawi leader just made sure that lives and property
were protected and as Commander- In- Chief of the Armed Forces she ensured that
the disciplined forces had enough equipment and proper instruction to handle
the situation professionally.
Despite the drama that ensued among organizers days prior to 17th , Kapito (R) was allowed to proceed with his plan. PIX BY NYASATIMES |
Many Malawians understand that if we want to recover from
governance mediocrity of the past we must learn to coexist and respect the laws
of the land at all times.
An important factor we can look at in future demonstrations
is how it affects productivity and our economy at all levels. Even without
traits of violence, it seems the demo card is being cherished by many workers
who use it as a ploy to stay away from work. No wonder many stayed home either
for fear of violence or just stealing an extra resting day from their
employers.
Bingu's rhetoric and approach fueled the July 20 violence |
As a country we must learn how to balance our constitutional
rights and our responsibility to develop our country by staying at work and working
hard at all times.
January 17 has surely gone and we love the fact that there
was no intimidation, no hacking of online media sites like Nyasatimes, no
injunctions and we are very sure there is not going to be a repeat of the Robert
Chasowa scenario.
God Bless Malawi
Well written and well balanced article.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anonymous, keep reading and commenting
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