By Vincent Khonje
Various leaders in Kasungu on Friday signed an agreement to uphold peace in the district.
Led by National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust, the peace agreement is a symbolic gesture to show that there is commitment in keeping peace in various areas the leaders are working.
NICE Trust’s National Programmes Manager Grey Kalindekafe said they brought together religious leaders, political leaders, traditional leaders and those from businesses in taxi operators, kabanza (bicycle transporters) and from the market.
Kalindekafe said post elections there has been increased cases of lawlessness where people have taken the laws in their own hands so NICE thought that people would be trained about constitutionalism, human rights and responsibility.
“The peace agreement shows that these people have agreed to the message of peace being spread. These leaders have been empowered to take the responsibility to amplify this message,” said Kalindekafe.
Kasungu recently has had cases of violent demonstrations where government property has been destroyed.
Chairperson Kasungu Taxi Operators Symon Mwale said frequent engagement may help diffuse some of the tension that is usually there.
“Most of the violence in the district is not political in nature but usually conflict between the citizens and the authorities. But with meetings like this things may change for the better,” said Mwale.
The peace building mission NICE trust has embarked is also aimed at contributing towards preparing Malawians to peacefully accept the outcome of the elections case currently being heard in the constitutional court.
