Tag Archives: Center for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI)

Human Rights, Malawi

Looming vigils against Chakwera’s Tonse Govt executive impunity, arrogance

Maravi Post Author

By IOMMIE CHIWALO

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) and other concerned citizens are planning to hold vigils tagged: ‘Executive impunity and arrogance must fall,”.

In a notification letter addressed to Lilongwe District Commissioner, Lawford Palani, the organisers are planning to hold the vigil right at the Ministry of Finance offices at Capital Hill from Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 10:00am to 2:30pm, during working
days until Dr. Betchani Tchereni apologises or resigns.

The notice follows the expiry of seven days which CDEDI gave to the Secretary for Treasury (ST) Becthani Tchereni on July 8, 2024, stemming from his highly insensitive and careless sentiments that were filmed in a clip.

Tchereni, according to the concerned citizens, is believed to have unfairly accused Malawians of blackmail, just because they are holding the duty bearers accountable by demanding what is worth of their votes.

“It should be put to you Sir, that Dr. Tchereni’s sentiments pose a threat to our young democracy since he is trying to create a leeway for politicians to do as it pleases them, in total disregard of the spirit and wording of Section
12 of the Republican Constitution, which states that both legal and political authority derives from the people of Malawi and that those exercising such authority do so solely to serve and protect their interest,” reads the letter signed by CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa, Zainab Hassan, Stevelia Chasuluka and Willie Chikopa who are representatives of concerned citizens.

The grouping says that the deafening silence on CDEDI’s demands for Dr. Tchereni to withdraw his sentiments and make a public apology on the same, has given them reasonable grounds to believe that the ST is too arrogant to continue serving in a public
office.

The letter has also emphasized that holding peaceful demonstrations is a constitutional right, therefore, the letter only seeks to notify the District Commissioner’s office and not seeking permission.

Law and order, Malawi

Parley summons Police Cheif Yolum, agencies on security lapse

Maravi Post Author 1 Comment

By Iommie Chiwalo

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Parliamentary Committee on Defence has responded positively to the calls by the Center for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) to summon the police Chief and Minister responsible for Homeland Security over security lapse.

In an invitation to the police Inspector General (IG) Merlyne Yolamu, Parliament justifies the essence of the meeting citing the recent increase in killings, theft, and robbery cases.

The letter states that it will be a joint meeting with the Homeland Security Minister, authorities from National Intelligence Services as well and the Police high command led by IG.

Recently CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa requested the Parliamentary Committee on Defense and Security to summon the police Chief and Minister responsible for Homeland Security following a spate of mysterious killings of people.

Namiwa asked the committee to question authorities from the country’s security apparatus on why they deserve to continue drawing taxpayers’ money from the public purse when it is clear that they do not have a clue on how to curb the current security breakdown.

The CDEDI boss noted that apart from the loss of productive age groups, security lapse has the potential to scare away investors leading to counterproductive since no one is sure of what would happen to their own lives and property.

“When people are in fear, they cannot concentrate on anything and I am glad that Parliament has responded positively to our calls on the need to summon the Inspector General, and Homeland Security Minister to appear before the Parliamentary Committee on Defense and Security,” says Namiwa.

The Committee will be meeting at the Parliament building in Lilongwe from October 2 to October 6, but the security institutions on October 4, 2023.