The continues silence of the Public Affairs Committee (PAC), religious bodies and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on the current economic and political turmoil in the country has raised eyebrows.
A letter by Apostle Harold Kachepatsonga to these bodies said the economic challenges, including fuel shortages, electricity blackouts, water scarcity, and the rising cost of living, have placed immense strain on our citizens.
“As influential entities within our society, your voices hold significant power to advocate for justice, equity, and relief for the suffering populace. The silence in the face of these hardships is disheartening and undermines the very principles of democracy and human rights that you stand for,” reads part of the letter
Among other things, Kachepatsonga has called on the institutions to use your platforms to publicly address the issues and hold the government accountable for their actions and inactions, lobby for immediate and effective measures to alleviate the economic hardships and ensure the availability of essential services, engage with the Community: Increase engagement with the communities you serve, listen to their concerns, and amplify their voices and seek support from international organizations and allies to put pressure on the government to uphold democratic values and improve living conditions.
“Encourage peaceful protests and demonstrations as a means for the citizens to express their grievances and demand change. Your leadership and proactive stance are crucial in these challenging times. The people of Malawi look to you for guidance and support. Let us work together to uphold the values of our democracy and strive for a better future for all Malawians,” he said
In an interview with The Atlas Malawi, he said their main concern is the lack of advocacy and public statements from these influential bodies, which play a crucial role in holding the government accountable and advocating for the rights and well-being of the citizens.
“We believe that these institutions have a moral and ethical responsibility to speak out against the economic challenges and governance issues that are causing significant suffering. By remaining silent, they fail to fulfill their mandate and the expectations of the people they represent.
“The purpose of the letter is to urge these institutions to take a more active stance, to voice their concerns, and to demand action from the government. We hope that by highlighting the current plight and encouraging these bodies to engage more robustly, we can foster a more responsive and accountable leadership that addresses the urgent needs of Malawians,” he aaid
