Political party leaders who attended this year’s July 20 memorial service, which is held to remember people that were shot dead during July 20 2011 anti-government protests, turned the event into a political domination platform Thursday.
The protests took place when the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was in power.
For instance, members of parties such as Freedom Party (FP) and Alliance for Democracy (Aford) turned up in party colours.
Apart from political regalia, some speakers, notably DPP deputy general secretary Mganda Chiume, delved into politics at the event.
Chiume even campaigned for the erstwhile governing party.
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“We are a changed party. Come 2025, led by our president Peter Mutharika, who was endorsed by the National Governing Council, such things will never happen again,” Chiume said.
But Enock Chihana, who is Aford president, trashed DPP’s hope, saying its chances of ruling the country again are faint.
“The way I know politics, people cannot vote for DPP to be back in government. You had your time and this is our time now,” Chihana said.
Taking his turn, former State vice president Khumbo Kachali said it is high time people from the Northern Region worked together to ensure that the region develops.
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“It is important that we come together and serve Malawians, including those from the Northern Region. We cannot continue fighting. This will not take us anywhere,” Kachali said.
Representing the bereaved families, Mercy Mbezuma asked the government to consider supporting children of those that were killed.
“Some of the victims’ children dropped out of school because their parents failed to pay fees for them. Even the widows are helpless,” she said.
Commenting on the request, Director of National Unity and Peace in the Ministry of Local Government and National Unity Gerard Chigona said the ministry will look into the issues raised.
“We have taken note of everything that has been said. The majority [of issues raised] were about promises which were made. We will follow up and act accordingly,” Chingona said.
During the event, invited guests and bereaved families laid wreaths on resting places of the victims, the climax of events being a sermon, which was led by Church of Central Africa Presbyterian Livingstonia Synod minister Reverend Kondwani Gondwe.
Twenty died in the demonstrations, eight of whom were buried at Zolozolo cemetery.
