By Peter Phiri:
The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) has taken a swipe at President Lazarus Chakwera snd Tonse led administration in lantern Pastoral Letter pointing at failed campaign promises describing the ongoing Chakwera term of office as a “Miss out” to unlocking aspirations of Malawians.
The pastoral letter themed “A call to hearken to the cry of poor Malawians” authored and signed by 7 catholic Bishops, brashes Chakwera led administration, saying it is missing out to seize opportunities, policy direction and interventions to address daily struggles facing Malawians despite credible promises of new Malawi.
“We painfully recall when slightly over two years ago we ushered in a new government, we did so on the premises of what we thought were credible promises of a new Malawi coming our way. Regrettably, and this seems to feel the verdict of many sober Malawians, the much toughted promises of change are far from being realized”reads part the letter.
The pastoral letter has further thrown a towel on Tonse governance saying despite Covid-19, Ukraine invansion and hurricanes, Malawi is worse than what was promised.
“Even when such challenges as the hurricanes, Covid-19, and the war Ukrain are factored in, our humble but honest submission is that we have missed out on leadership to seize opportunities, policy direction and intervention critically sought for at such times. the end result seems to be a Malawi worse off than what we were promised and looked forward to in a region where most of our neighbouring countries, affected by the same challenges, are registering meaningful human and economic progress. “it reads.
The Bishops has called on President Lazarus Chakwera and his administration to act urgently on walking the talk on austerity measures, combating Corruption, food insecurity, and as well made public, public sector reforms report and implemention without further delays.
The pastoral letter has also recommended that Tonse government, among other things. should desist from ‘worthless’and needless politicking focusing on 2025 elections but rather work on development of the country.
Meanwhile, Government spokesperson Gospel Kazako has welcomed the Bishop’s call saying the letter is reminder to the responsibility in serving Malawians.
“We have no issues with the letter the Bishops have issued.It is a letter that will assist us to relook at where we are. It reminds us of the mammoth responsibility we have to ensure the lives of Malawians improve. “said Kazako
on some of the recommendations made in the letter, to address corruption that has gone rampant, Kazako said. Government is doing all it can to capacity the graft busting body, ACB with financial and legal resources.
” We have capacitated the ACB in a record volume. We expect it to be independent and professional. We have gone to an extent of amending the law ensure smooth flow of their operations. We also get concerned when they are delays in courts. The concept of separation of powers creates distance with the courts,” He said.
