By Cathy Maulidi
Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) has branded Malawi’s current socio-economic status as one that is reminiscent of a country whose leadership has stopped listening.
In a statement signed by the commission’s national coordinator Boniface Chibwana and other officials, CCJP says the socio-economic wellbeing of Malawians has significantly deteriorated, with the governing apparatus seemingly lost and clueless on solutions.
But government spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu insisted that problems the country is sailing through are not of the current administration’s making.
In its statement, CCJP says Malawi is at a crossroads and that citizens are like sheep whose shepherd has lost grip of the flock.
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“The cries of Malawians are now louder, but unfortunately, fail to attract the much-needed attention of political leaders as they fall on deaf ears.
“CCJP is deeply concerned about the prevailing social injustice and prays that Malawi’s political stewards regain their moral enlightenment and become sensitive to the [suffering of] Malawians,” the commission says.
The Catholic Church’s justice and peace body has cited problems such as the current fuel crisis, devaluation of the Kwacha and security lapse as some of the problems that Malawians are enduring.
CCJP has further warned about looming hunger due to uncertainties regarding the procurement, distribution and availability of fertiliser.
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In an interview Wednesday, Kunkuyu said the statement echoes what the Tonse Alliance government has been saying; that the country has been plunged into problems for ages due to corruption, among other vices.
“Cyclones have worsened our situation, making us perpetually donor dependent. Government is working towards resolving these challenges, mainly the issue of forex scarcity.
“Once this is addressed, it will open up solutions to the other problems,” Kunkuyu said.
He added that the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) staff-level agreement brings a glimmer of hope that Malawi’s foreign reserves will be healthy again.
“This will enable us to procure fuel and drive the economic sectors that thrive on the availability of fuel,” Kunkuyu said.
The minister further said it is government’s hope that the mega farms will address the food security situation and deal with hunger perpetually.
“The statement is appreciated, and Malawians are assured that the problems are being addressed,” the government spokesperson said.
