Citizens protest against economic hardships

Concerned citizens in Mulanje yesterday held demonstrations against what they called unbearable economic hardships under the Tonse Alliance administration.

The protesters, led by Human Rights Ambassadors, marched from Chisitu Trading Centre to the district commissioner’s office to deliver their petition.

In the petition, the group is calling for the resignation of top government officials, including President Lazarus Chakwera and his Vice-President Saulos Chilima, for “failing to transform the country” within two years after taking over power from the Democratic Progressive Party through the court-sanctioned Fresh Presidential Election held on June 23 2020.

The group also wants the President to fire people whose names appeared on a list where UK-based businessperson Zuneth Sattar is being investigated by the National Crimes Agency of  UK for alleged corruption.

In an interview after presenting the petition, the group’s leader Kingsley Mpasu cited the rise in prices of basic commodities such as sugar as one of the reasons for top government officials to step down.

He said: “The President told us that if he fails to turn around the country’s economy within two years he will resign and we are saying that he has 18 days remaining.”

Mulanje district commissioner Stallich Mwambiwa, who received the petition, refused to comment.

However, on Tuesday evening, Chakwera announced austerity measures meant to address the current economic challenges.

They include cutting by 20 percent fuel allowances for his Cabinet and restrictions on foreign travel to a maximum of three trips per year.