Mtambo forms political movement, resigns from HRDC

Renowned human rights activist and chairperson for the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) Timothy Mtambo, has formed a political movement which he says will give him time to continue the fight for a better Malawi and people’s human rights.

Speaking to journalists in Lilongwe on Wednesday April 1 2020, Mtambo said the movement which is called; The Citizens For Transformation-People Power Movement (CFT) will be launched soon.

Mtambo says he has since resigned as Chairperson for HRDC but was grateful for all the years of support and encouragement he got from HRDC and Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR).

He said he has reflected on what is happening in the country and has consulted and sought counsel from God and Malawians on his next move.

In his remarks, Mtambo said his liberation and transformation movement endorses the UTM and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) electoral alliance and applauded the leaders and supporters of these two parties and other opposition parties for what they are doing on the ground.

Mtambo added that he has taken this political route after seeing that the current president and his team have failed to lead Malawi out of the social, economic and political crisis.

“Therefore, having diligently studied the problems haunting and hurting this country and the dangerous path the DPP leadership has taken, I am left with no choice but to pursue a political route and join fellow Malawians who have taken a brave and revolutionary step to openly challenge Mr. Peter Mutharika’s bid for presidency in the forthcoming elections.

According to Mtambo, the CFT will pursue an agenda for transformation and is founded on values of human rights-based approach, peaceful co-existence, rule of law, active and patriotic citizenship in pressing for inclusive social, political and economic transformation and a prosperous future for all Malawians.

“The (CFT) is focused on bringing all well-meaning Malawians together towards their quest for social, political and economic emancipation and transformation. For me, this movement is a transition and a culmination of my long walk with you fellow Malawians, as we marched through the streets of Lilongwe, Blantyre, Mzuzu, Zomba, Mchinji, Salima, Mangochi, Balaka – just to mention a few of the places where our fight for democratic values has left footprints that time and history will never delete. These were the places where we were teargassed together, beaten together, arrested together with many of you,” he said.

Asked whether the formation of the political movement marks the end of his human rights activism, Mtambo said activism remains in his DNA and a calling for which, if needs be, he is ready die for.

“Today, that struggle is continuing and will not falter until our people are free- free from all forms of tyranny, corruption, bad governance and human rights abuses.”

The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) says Mtambo’s endorsement of the UTM-MCP alliance is a morale booster.

MCP Publicity Secretary Rev. Maurice Munthali said it is clear that their collective mission resonates well with the aspirations of the majority of Malawians.

“It energises our leaders’ resolve to pursue the agenda for a transformed Malawi which will be fair to all citizens. With such endorsements, victory is guaranteed in the forthcoming fresh election,” Munthali said.

He added: “We salute Comrade Timothy Mtambo for his unrelenting and vigilant efforts to liberate this country. His patriotism and invaluable passion for Malawi and her people cannot go unnoticed. He is one fearless and resolute freedom fighter this country”.
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