Chewa senior chiefs have joined those calling for Alliance for Democracy (Aford) president Enoch Chihana’s apology over his tribalistic remarks.
During the recent opposition parties presser in Lilongwe, Chihana, a northerner and Tumbuka, spoke against the Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) use of Smartmatic International Holding’s election management devices and election system management software for the September 16 General Elections.
“Ngati akufuna kugwilitsa ntchito Smartmatic system, akagwilitse ntchito ku dambwe komweko,” he said
Chihana was referring to Gulewamkulu, a traditional dance for the Chewa tribe, which is dominant in central Malawi, where the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) enjoys massive support.
Addressing the media in Lilongwe on Saturday, the chiefs, from all the regions in the country, gave Chihana 7 days to apologize.
The chiefs were led by Senior chief Mwase and Senior chief Chadza who is one of the leaders of Chewas from Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia, and Senior chief Nthondo.
Nthondo said the earlier Chihana apologizes the better, because it will be difficult to do so once things get out of hand.
He said it was wrong for Chihana to politicize Gulewamkulu, as it does not belong to any political party.
The chiefs call follows the same demand by the Chewa Heritage Foundation (CHEFO) chairperson Dick Chatanga.
“If he will not, then we will have no choice but to drag him to the dambwe for him to have first-hand information about it.
“As a leader and someone who is vying for the country’s topmost position, he was supposed to be respecting our traditions. A leader should not be tribalistic, must preach peace and unity,” he said
Commenting on the issue, one of the Malawians, Charles Chirwa, said the remarks are not befitting someone who is vying for the country’s presidency.
“He is showing his true colours. Politics aside, there was no need to attack some tribes, what kind of a president will he be if elected, maybe that’s why his party’s top position is held by northerners,” said Chirwa, a businessman
AFORD’s vice president is Timothy Mtambo, who comes from Chitipa, in the northern region.
