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Malawi, Politics

NAP calls for Chakwera’s decisive action on Malawi’s unrest: Lilongwe, Ndirande Violence

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights group National Advocacy Platform (NAP) is calling President Lazarus Chakwera to show decisive leadership action on unrest rocking the nation.

NAP has cited Ndirande and Lilongwe Violence that need presidential Leadership for peace and unity promotion.

In a press statement issued on Saturday, November 24, 2024 signed by NAP Chairperson and National Coordinator Benedicto Kondowe and Baxton Nkhoma respectively urges President Chakwera to urgently and publicly condemn acts of political violence to reinforce Malawi’s commitment to peace and democracy.

“The National Advocacy Platform (NAP) unequivocally condemns the violent acts in Ndirande, where
vigilantes burned MCP-branded t-shirts and disrupted voter registration efforts. These events, following similar violence in Lilongwe highlighted in NAP’s 14th November 2024 statement, represent an alarming escalation of lawlessness and political intolerance.

“The continued inaction of the Malawi Police Service has emboldened perpetrators, eroded public trust, and jeopardized the integrity of the 2025 general elections,” reads NAP statement in part.

“NAP is equally disturbed by the President’s failure to publicly denounce these acts of violence. As the
nation’s first citizen, the President bears a constitutional and moral duty to safeguard peace and unity.

Kondowe urges Chakwera to address the country’s unrest

“This silence risks undermining Malawi’s hard-earned peace and emboldening violent actors, threatening national stability,” observes NAP.

Kondowe adds, “NAP remains steadfast in its commitment to defending democracy, ensuring accountability, and protecting constitutional freedoms.

“NAP is gravely concerned about the deliberate creation of “no-go zones” by vigilantes, which undermines the fundamental principles of democracy, including freedom of movement, association, and political participation”.

The statement observes further, “These violent acts are an affront to Malawi’s Constitution and international human rights commitments, signalling an alarming shift toward political intolerance and lawlessness.

“The President’s inaction in publicly condemning political violence is deeply concerning. As the first citizen, the President is entrusted with setting the tone for national unity and ensuring the protection of peace”.

Worried NAP, “This silence creates a leadership vacuum, diminishing efforts to deter violence and threatening the stability of Malawi’s democratic processes.

“The Malawi Police Service has failed to act decisively and impartially, as evidenced by its inaction in
Ndirande, Lilongwe, and other hotspots”.

Adds NAP, “This selective enforcement of the law emboldens perpetrators of violence while fostering public distrust in state institutions.

“Police officers, sworn to uphold the Constitution, must not become silent spectators to criminal acts, as this dereliction of duty threatens national peace and security”.

NAP also observes the troubling inaction of the Peace and Unity Commission, whose mandate to mediate
conflicts and promote harmony is being undermined.

“The Commission’s failure to address rising political
tensions risks exacerbating violence and destabilizing the electoral process, leaving a dangerous vacuum in
peacebuilding effort,” reads the statement.

NAP urges Police, “The Malawi Police Service must urgently arrest and prosecute those responsible for political violence in Ndirande and other areas.

“The Inspector General must ensure that all police officers act independentl and professionally to protect citizens regardless of political affiliation”.

NAP appeals, “Peace and Unity Commission must immediately intervene, mediate conflicts, and lead initiatives to prevent further political violence.

“Political leaders must refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and instead publicly condemn violence within their ranks and hold their supporters accountable for actions that violate the law. Citizens must be reminded of their constitutional duties to respect others’ rights and avoid violence.

NAP calls for strengthening democratic norms, “Stakeholders, including NECOF, must ensure dialogue and respect for democratic principles to restore public trust in the electoral process.

“NAP commits to fast-track engagement with the President, police and political party top leadership to address the root causes of political violence and agree on strategic policy direction to prevent further incidents”.

NAP categorically condemns the violence in Ndirande and other areas as a direct assault on Malawi’s democracy and peace.

NAP appeals, “We urge the President, Malawi Police Service, the Peace and Unity Commission, and political leaders to act decisively to safeguard constitutional freedoms and ensure a peaceful environment for the 2025 general elections. The time to act is now—Malawi’s future depends on it”.

Politics

HRCC Mkwezalamba advises Chakwera “Not to appear before parliament amid crises but address the nation”

Dorica Mtenje

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) observes its not healthy for President Lazarus Chakwera to appear before parliament amid numerous crises.

HRCC has therefore advised Chakwera to address the nation with practical solutions to the crises including fuel, forex, food shortage, high cost of living.

HRCC Chairperson told the Maravi Post in an interview that “there is no genuineness in the call for HE to appear before the assembly as they simply want to embarrass and redicule him”.

Mkwezalamba argued further that “Its not necessarily for President to attend parliament at this time as he might not have the answers to the pressing issues at hand”.

“For now, our focus should be on urging the president to address the nation with concrete actions the government has taken to tackle these problems, along with timelines that allow us to assess progress,” he said.

On the inquiry commission involving the late Vice President Saulos Chilima, Mkwezalamba stated that there is no justification for doubting the commission, “Despite the missed opportunity created by the withdrawal of the Civil Society Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa”.

The current administration is facing numerous economic challenges, including fuel shortages, issues with the Affordable Input Program such as the lack of fertilizer, and foreign exchange difficulties.

Recently, the leader of the opposition, George Chaponda, has called for Chakwera to appear before parliament as the 6th meeting of the 50th session begins on Monday, November 25, for the 2024-2025 mid-year budget review.

Politics

Road to 2025: NDP President Mwenifumbo preaches peace, unity

Maravi Post Reporter

MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-National Development Party (NDP) President Frank Tumpale Mwenifumbo has asked Malawians and all political parties that will take part in the 2025 general elections to desist from politics of castigation in order to avoid political violence.

The NDP leader was speaking this on Saturday in Chitipa district.

“I want to ask Malawians to stop politics of castigation as that has the potential to raise political temperature and violence,” said Mwenifumbo.

According to him, all political leaders must be on forefront preaching unity and love among voters despite their political differences.

Mwenifumbo said NDP ideologies are not inline with politics of castigation and nepotism but allowing all citizens to enjoy their rights equally.

On whether his party will form an alliance in the coming elections, Mwenifumbo vehemently denied saying “it will go solo.”

“NDP has its own and unique vision for this country. And it is going strong day by day. As a party, we believe that we shall do better on our own and not because of political alliance in the coming elections,” he lamented.

Currently, the party is building its political structures on the ground and it will have a convention early next year.

Politics

Kabambe calls for unity ahead of Monday’s peaceful demonstration

Burnett Munthali

By Burnett Munthali

UTM President, Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, has issued a powerful rallying call to Malawians, urging them to join a peaceful demonstration on Monday aimed at demanding accountability and responsible governance from the country’s leadership.

In a passionate message posted on his Facebook page, Dr. Kabambe highlighted the gravity of the leadership crisis Malawi is facing, emphasizing the daily struggles citizens endure as a result of absent and ineffective leadership.

Dr. Kabambe reminded Malawians of the constitutional right to assemble and demand better governance, stating:
“Monday, we will rise together in peaceful demonstration, exercising our constitutional right to demand accountability and leadership from those who have turned away from their duties.”

He stressed the importance of collective action, urging citizens to unite and send a clear message to those in power that the people’s voices cannot be ignored.

The UTM leader did not mince words in describing the challenges the nation is facing. He pointed to a visible decline in governance that he attributes to the failure of leadership to prioritize the needs of the people. Dr. Kabambe’s remarks underline the growing frustrations among Malawians over issues such as economic hardships, poor service delivery, and unfulfilled promises.

Dr. Kabambe emphasized the need for unity among Malawians, saying:
“Let us show them that we are not just bystanders; we are active participants in shaping our future.”

He encouraged citizens to participate in large numbers, assuring them that their presence and collective voice can inspire change and hold leaders accountable.

As Malawi navigates challenging times, Dr. Kabambe’s call to action reflects a broader desire for transformational leadership that addresses the concerns of ordinary citizens. Monday’s peaceful demonstration, which is supported by the UTM Party and other stakeholders, aims to serve as a reminder that Malawians have the power to influence the direction of their country.

Dr. Kabambe concluded his message with a call for peaceful conduct during the demonstration, reinforcing the need to uphold the constitutional rights of every citizen. His message is expected to resonate with Malawians who share a common vision for a better and more accountable government.

All eyes will be on Monday’s demonstration to see how citizens respond to this rallying call and how the government reacts to these demands for leadership and accountability.

Malawi, Regional, Sports

Fall of the giant? Manchester City lose five games in a row

Lloyd M’bwana

…..Manchester City 0-4 Tottenham Hotspurs

LONDON-(MaraviPost)-The English Premier league champions Manchester City have faced humiliation with four nill defeat by Tottenham Hotspurs at Ethad Stadium.

City have lost five games in a row in major competitions in 2024/2025 football season.

Today’s City defeat is the worst result at home in 18 years.

Despite the defeat City, are still on position two in the Premier league with 23 points while league leaders Liverpool has 28 points with a game in hand on Sunday, November 24, 2024 against Southampton.

Arsenal are on position four while Chelsea takes third slot with the same points with Arsenal, 22 points in eleven games…

Politics

Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu stoned in Ndirande for disrupting business

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu’s convoy on Friday, November 22, 2024 was stoned in Ndirande Township in Blantyre

Consequently, Kunkuyu to cut short his tour which was supposed to take him to Limbe and then to Thyolo, reportedly on an assignment to speak with people on the actions the government is taking to address the raft of challenges Malawians are facing.

However, Police fired teargas to quell the violence.

There has been no official position as to what triggered the protest.

But a video clip circulating on social media depicts a man who identifies himself as secretary for Ndirande Market complaining that that Kunkuyu’s convoy had disrupted business in the township.

“We just heard the minister is coming to the township and people pelted stones at his convoy because it was disturbing us.

“Let me warn politicians that we have leaders of this community here and politicians cannot use their powers to just come into this area without letting us know”, says the man.

He added, “We are the owners of this area and politicians should respect that. They can’t disrupt us simply because they have money and power.

“When you were in opposition, you would come and speak with us first that you have an event to do here or you want to pass by. Today, you are just barging into our territory and disrupting our lives”.

He explains further amid chants from other market members, “Because of that, traders are leaving now because of the police teargas. We warn politicians to not just come here. We might look to be people without money but we are the owners of the market”

In another clip, the residents are seen mobbing vehicles in the convoy, including police cars, while chanting and then pelting stones.

In reaction, Kunkuyu called off his tour to Limbe and Thyolo and condemned the incident, saying he suspected it was politically motivated.

The minister said, “Malawi Congress Party (MCP) does not tolerate violence and the incident will not affect its plans towards Malawians.

“We will not stop helping people in Ndirande and other areas because of this. It is a bad practice and we do not tolerate it”

That incident comes barely two weeks after panga-wielding hoodlums in Lilongwe disrupted a demonstration which opposition political parties had organised to protest what they say are irregularities in voter registration ahead of the elections next year.

In his comment on these incidents, political analyst Ernest Thindwa told Times Group said that lack of seriousness among stakeholders is fueling the violence.

Thindwa warned the violence could only worsen unless urgent action is taken.

“The country has deliberately tamed the malpractice over the years, and the situation will continue to deteriorate if political stakeholders fail to address it now,” he warned.

Malawi goes to polls in ten months time on September 17, 2025.

Politics

Opposition leader Chaponda wants Chakwera in Parliament to address fuel, forex crisis

Dorica Mtenje

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-As Parliament prepares to reconvene on Monday,for the 6th meeting of the 50th session to review the 2024-2025 budget, Leader of the Opposition (LOP) George Chaponda has called for President Chakwera to appear before the August House to address matters of national importance.

Some of the key issues Chakwera needs to address including fuel and forex crisis, economic recovery, fertilizer shortages, corruption, hunger, human rights concerns, late vice president Saulos Chilima’s plane clash inquiry progress among others.

Addressing the news conference on Friday, November 22, Chaponda stated that the current administration has been marked by reckless spending and excessive borrowing, leading to the crippling of the economy.

He expressed concern over the ongoing fuel crisis, the shortage of fertilizer within the Affordable Inputs Program, alarming levels of corruption, widespread hunger, and a blatant disregard for human rights.

“Productive men and women are spending countless hours waiting in fuel line, which has become a scarce commodity. Meanwhile, the future of the Affordable Inputs Program remains uncertain,” said Chaponda.

He also urged Malawians to register for the upcoming elections, despite the frustrations surrounding the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and the National Registration Bureau.

Development, Malawi

Blantyre CCAP Synod lauds Chakwera on Lilongwe road infrastructure development, Chilima’s death inquiry

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP), Blantyre Synod, has applauded the current government for the remarkable achievements despite challenges rocking the country.

In a pastoral letter released on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 which General Secretary Reverend Anderson Chulu and Synod moderator Reverend Humphrey Zgambo has signed has highlighted road construction works in Lilongwe.

The Synod has also praised Chakwera on Commission of Inquiry for the death of former Vice President Saulos Chilima as pivotal roles the current administration has achieved since taking over Government.

“The road construction works currently taking place in Lilongwe are worthy celebrating, and it is an achievement proud of.

“We are hopeful that once completed, the road will transform the face of the city and the nation,” reads the Pastoral letter in part.

The Synod commends, “CCAP Blantyre Synod would also like to applaud the government for instituting a commission of inquiry into the death of former Vice President Saulos Chilima. We believe that without doubt, the findings from the Commission would provide healing to the family members and nation at large”.

The letter has also made an appeal to some of the concerns the country is experiencing which include political violence, police unprofessionalism, war against corruption, lack of drugs and medicines in public hospitals, persistent fuel scarcity, continued forex shortages and economic challenges as well as hunger and non-availability of maize in admarc depots.

The Synod is therefore calling for members in all congregations to register to vote for the forth coming general elections as it is everyone’s right to participate in the political affairs of the country.

“We believe the concerns will be dealt with the urgency they deserve as they are committed to working with the government in addressing social economic challenges besetting the country,” reads the pastoral letter in part.

Politics

Mutharika rallies DPP supporters at Bvumbwe Trading Centre

Burnett Munthali

By Burnett Munthali

Former President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, on Thursday, November 21, made a triumphant stop at Bvumbwe Trading Centre in Thyolo, where he addressed thousands of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters. The visit marked the culmination of his journey back from the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) voter registration exercise at Goliati Registration Centre.

Mutharika, who has maintained a strong political influence in Malawi, used the occasion to energize party loyalists and underscore the significance of voter registration ahead of the 2025 general elections.

Speaking to the enthusiastic crowd, Mutharika emphasized that voter registration is the cornerstone of democracy. “This is the time to secure your future. Make sure you register to vote so that we can reclaim our country and restore the DPP’s vision of prosperity for all Malawians,” he said.

Peter Mutharika Rally at Bvumbwe
Former President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, on Thursday, November 21, made a triumphant stop at Bvumbwe Trading Centre in Thyolo

The former President also took a moment to reflect on his administration’s achievements, including infrastructure development, economic stability, and social programs. He urged supporters to remain united and committed to the party’s cause, declaring, “The DPP is the only party capable of delivering meaningful change and progress to the people of Malawi.”

The gathering at Bvumbwe was a testament to Mutharika’s enduring popularity in Thyolo, his home district, and a stronghold for the DPP. Supporters chanted party slogans and pledged their unwavering loyalty, signaling their readiness for the electoral battle ahead.

The gathering at Bvumbwe was a testament to Mutharika’s enduring popularity in Thyolo, his home district, and a stronghold for the DPP.

Mutharika’s message at Bvumbwe underscored the DPP’s determination to mobilize voters and reclaim power in the upcoming elections. His call to action resonated with many, as he reiterated the importance of voter registration as a decisive step towards shaping Malawi’s political future.

The MEC voter registration exercise continues across the country, with political parties intensifying their campaigns to ensure maximum participation. The DPP, under Mutharika’s leadership, is making significant strides in rallying support, particularly in its strongholds, as the 2025 elections draw closer.

AMA, Health

New mathematical modelling study demonstrates gene drives could boost malaria control when added to intervention packages including new bed nets and vaccines

MaraviPost

Summary

Researchers from Target Malaria have published a new mathematical modelling study evaluating the potential impact of gene drive technology on malaria incidence in West Africa.
The study projects that gene drives could reduce mosquito malaria vector populations by 71% to 98%, leading to significant decreases in malaria cases — at least 60% more clinical cases could be averted by adding gene drives to intervention packages including vaccines and improved bed nets.
The findings also suggest that gene drives will be most effective if they target multiple mosquito species, especially the four major malaria vectors in West Africa: Anopheles gambiae, An. coluzzii, An. arabiensis, and An. funestus.
Because it is self-sustaining and cost-effective, a single release of gene drive mosquitoes could have a strong impact on the number of averted cases, especially in rural and remote areas.

LONDON, United Kingdom, 22 November 2024 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/- The Target Malaria UK modelling team at Imperial College London has published their latest study in Nature Communications, titled “The potential of gene drives in malaria vector species to control malaria in African environments”. This study explores the impact that mosquitoes modified with the gene drive technology could have on malaria incidence if deployed in West Africa. To conduct the research, scientists used a mathematical model to test various hypotheses on the epidemiological efficacy of gene drives. 

“We simulated gene drive releases in different West African locations to investigate how gene drive technology could reduce malaria prevalence in a wide range of environments”, says lead author Dr. Ace North, Researcher at the University of Oxford and lead modeller at Target Malaria UK.

The model incorporated data from 16 locations across 13 malaria-endemic countries—Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Togo, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire—factoring in landscape features, climate, mosquito species, malaria prevalence, and interventions like insecticides, drug treatments, and vaccines.

“This novel approach to modelling gene drive interventions for malaria control includes entomological and epidemiological processes. Our approach incorporates inputs that help evaluate the combined effect of control measures aimed at insects and humans, as well as how local conditions affect the success of interventions”, adds co-author Dr. Penny Hancock, Biostatistician and Epidemiologist at Imperial College London/MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, part of Target Malaria UK.

Woman at work in Mafi Agorve, Ghana. Credit Target Malaria

The mathematical model developed by Target Malaria demonstrates that gene drive mosquitoes could significantly boost malaria control when used in combination with new bed net products and vaccines. The study indicates a 71.6%–98.4% reduction in mosquito populations, resulting in substantial malaria case reductions. At least 60% more clinical cases would be potentially averted if gene drives were added to other new tools including RTS,S vaccination and pyrethroid-PBO bed nets. These findings highlight the benefits and potential of gene drives, and the need for an integrated approach to malaria response, with new and innovative tools bridging the gap of conventional interventions.

The model also predicted the necessity to disseminate gene drives in multiple mosquito species to strongly reduce malaria burden (by 90% in all areas). In West Africa, this means targeting four important vector species: Anopheles gambiae, An. coluzzii, An. arabiensis, and An. funestus. According to the model, gene drive mosquitoes would be disseminated spatially from the initial release location, resulting in temporary eliminations of the targeted malaria mosquito species (suppressed by about 72%-92%). The targeted vector species will not be permanently eliminated from the region but reduced by about 72%-92%. 

Genetic technologies, such as gene drive, can offer complementary tools to address some of the challenges and limitations faced by current malaria control methods. This promising control method could offer a long-term and cost-effective approach to control malaria, well-suited to the widespread and largely rural burden of the disease.

Mathematical models have helped develop a theoretical understanding of how gene drive releases could impact vector populations and reduce disease prevalence. In anticipation of the first gene drive field releases, models have increasingly been customized to specific malaria-endemic locations. 

This new study also highlights several new avenues of scientific research in the field of gene drives where further field studies of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes will be required.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Target Malaria.

Notes to editors:

  • An animation simulating the spread of a gene drive in a mosquito populations after a release is available on this link (Credit Ace North).
  • Simulation code for running the models of gene drive dynamics and malaria infection dynamics is available on GitHub: https://github.com/AceRNorth/WestAfricaModel (doi: 10.5281/zenodo.13785414)74 https://github.com/pahanc/malariasimulation_import_mosq (doi: 10.5281/zenodo.13789477)75. The code is a modification of R-package malaria simulation v1.4.3, using R v4.3.0. Plots were generated in Mathematica v14.0 and R v4.3.0.

About Target Malaria

Target Malaria is a not-for-profit research consortium that aims to develop and share new, cost-effective, Target Malaria is a not-for-profit research consortium that aims to develop and share new, cost-effective and sustainable genetic technologies to modify mosquitoes and reduce malaria transmission. Our vision is to contribute to a world free of malaria. We aim to achieve excellence in all areas of our work, creating a path for responsible research and development of genetic technologies, such as gene drive. www.targetmalaria.org

Follow Target Malaria on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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Source : African Media Agency (AMA)