By Mercy Matonga:
Leaders of opposition political parties were conspicuous by their absence at this year’s Independence Day celebrations, which took place at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe Sunday.
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the United Democratic Front (UDF) and UTM, which were absent from the celebrations, told The Daily Times that the day is not worth celebrating.
UTM spokesperson Felix Njawala said his party is concerned about the challenges that Malawians are facing and believes the day is not worth celebrating.
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“We cannot in good conscience join in festivities while this government, led by the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), is unleashing violence on its own citizens, intimidating those who speak out and silencing dissent with fear.
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“How do you celebrate ‘freedom’ when Malawians are being beaten for having a different view?” Njawala said.
He was apparently referring to recent incidents of violence against anti-government protests, which MCP has, however, distanced itself from.
Njawala further said true independence is not about marching and flag-raising but about ensuring justice, safety, dignity and opportunity for all.
On his part, DPP Secretary General Peter Mukhito said his party feels there is nothing to celebrate amidst persistent hunger in communities, the lack of medicines in hospitals, the rising cost of living and the shortage of fuel.
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“These pressing issues are the true challenges facing our nation and we believe that the resources allocated for the two-day celebration could be better used to address these urgent concerns,” Mukhito said.
He said his party’s focus remains on serving the people and ensuring that their basic needs are met rather than participating in festivities that do not reflect the realities many Malawians are facing.
UDF spokesperson Dyson Jangia also said the celebrations have lost their meaning and are not worth celebrating, hence his party’s decision to stay away.
“You can’t celebrate when you don’t have money, food, necessities and peace of mind. Many Malawians are suffering so much. UDF joins Malawians in suffering, so there is nothing to celebrate about,” Jangia said.
The Independence Day celebrations began with President Lazarus Chakwera and his Botswana counterpart, Duma Gideon Boko, being guided to inspect the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) parade.
As per tradition, MDF opened the celebrations with a parade followed by traditional dances from eight districts.
The stadium was nearly full and Malawians peacefully cheered and celebrated the performances, which were further enlivened by the participation of ministers and Chakwera.
