By Peter Phiri:
It was an event that was organized to bring Malawians together regardless of culture, tribe, religion and political affiliation, but the former governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as well its affiliated cultural grouping Mlakho wa Alhomwe decided to shun the first ever National Unity Day which Malawi hosted on Friday at the Bingu International Convention Centre.
Representatives of almost major political parties led by their leaders converged at BICC to celebrate national unity. On the other end representatives of almost all cultural groupings also thronged BICC to promote national unity.
However conspicuously missing at the event were leaders of the former governing DPP as well as leaders of Mlakho wa Alhomwe which is heavily associated with the DPP.
Interestingly this is coming just a week after Mlakho wa Alhomwe had staged its annual cultural event at its headquarters at Chonde in Mulanje where DPP leaders took advantage of the event to advance their political ambitions.
While the DPP leadership is yet to comment on why the party was not represented at the event, Pius Mvenya Mlakho wa Alhomwe Chief Executive Officer has confirmed to have received an invitation to the event but decided not to attend as the grouping claims lately the Tonse administration has been victimizing Lhomwes for political reasons.
“We received an invitation to the event but we decided not to attend as the Tonse administration has been ill-treating Lhomwes in the country just for political reasons,” said Mvenya.
In his address President Lazarus Chakwera called on Malawians to stand united and refrain from being used by selfish individuals whose main goal is to bring confusion in the country.
“Throughout our history we have risen up against every power that has sought to oppress us and restrict our freedom, but there has been no protest against the many forces that have tried to divide us. We need to stop treating naysayers and dividers like celebrities,” said Chakwera.
Chakwera said it is sad that there are some people who are busy sponsoring protests aimed at dividing Malawians.
“We come together with the resolve to treat each other as one people from one nation with one flag. But our resolve today goers beyond teaching and promoting the principles of unity. Our resolve today is about practicing theme,” said Chakwera.
