LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera stood before thousands at Bingu National Stadium and called on Malawians to engage in peaceful dialogue whenever there are differences.
He made this call during the commemoration of Malawi’s 61st Independence Anniversary, flanked by Botswana’s President, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko.
It was a well-written speech, rich in rhetoric and diplomatic tones—but tragically hollow in substance.
Because the truth is, you cannot preach peace while empowering violence.
You cannot call for dialogue with one hand while handing out panga knives with the other.
What conversation does President Chakwera expect Malawians to have when members of his own Malawi Congress Party (MCP) youth are being armed and unleashed to hack political opponents?
How do citizens feel safe discussing national issues when they know that the price of disagreement might be a blade to the head?
Sylvester Namiwa was nearly killed for expressing dissent, right in the heart of the capital, Lilongwe—and the perpetrators were not faceless thugs.
They were MCP sympathizers, known by name and face, yet protected by a system that refuses to hold them accountable.
How can any rational Malawian take this call for “peaceful dialogue” seriously when our police service stands by as violence unfolds, and the President says nothing?
This is not leadership—it is gaslighting.
It is dangerous and dishonest to speak the language of unity while cultivating a culture of terror.
President Chakwera’s speech may have sounded noble in the presence of foreign dignitaries, but to Malawians who have seen blood on the streets and silence in high places, it is nothing short of insulting.
If the President truly desires peace, then let him start by cleaning his own political house.
Let him disarm the MCP youth militia, fire those who incite violence, and prosecute those who have harmed innocent citizens.
Let him apologize to the nation for allowing political thuggery to grow under his watch.
Only then can his words begin to carry weight.
Until that happens, every call for peaceful dialogue will ring hollow, every independence speech will be a mockery, and every moment of silence will feel like betrayal.
Malawians deserve more than poetic speeches and photo ops with presidents from abroad.
They deserve leadership that matches words with action—and peace that starts not from the lips, but from the ground up.
Mr. President, you cannot call for dialogue when your party speaks in the language of machetes.
Stop the violence. Then we can talk.
