Lilongwe vendors feel sidelined on demos

Vendors in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe on Wednesday said they are not supporting the January 17 nationwide consumers’ demonstrations because Cama has not communicated to them issues behind the strike.

But in an interview Wednesday, spokesperson of the organising committee of the demonstrations Kingsley Mabalani said the consumer rights watchdog has not deliberately left out the vendors. He said there are committees still working out modalities on how the issues can be explained to all Malawians.

During a news conference held in Lilongwe Wednesday, Lilongwe Vendors Association chairperson James Soko also said whereas they share some of Cama’s concerns, the vendors feel most issues can be resolved through dialogue.

Said Soko: “Basically, we are just hearing about these demonstrations through the radio and newspapers, but no one from [the Consumers Association of Malawi] Cama has ever come to us to explain the concerns being presented. Most of us do not know what this strike is all about.

“What we are asking is that Cama should come to us, explain the issues and if we are convinced, we might be part of the demonstrations. But as things are at the moment, it is difficult for us to really take part although the concerns might be helpful even to us.”

But he was quick to add that as vendors, they feel that going on a mass strike is not the best option to resolve whatever issues are there considering what damages such demonstrations bring.

The news conference was attended by vendors’ representatives from all the 33 markets in the city.

Cama is currently championing the January 17 demonstrations against government’s failure to address economic hardships facing Malawians due to reforms being undertaken by government.

Among several demands, Cama wants a reversal of the floatation of the kwacha; sale of the presidential jet and Mercedes Benz vehicles for ministers; reduction in the presidential convoy, minimising presidential and ministerial travel both locally and internationally, reducing the Cabinet; checking corruption and declaration of assets by the President and her Vice-President.