By Chisomo Phiri
Prominent and fearless political activist Bon Kalindo on Wednesday led peaceful demonstrations in the Malawi’s commercial city of Blantyre calling on President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and his Tonse Alliance Administration to step down for allegedly messing up the economy.
The demonstrations under tight security started at Kamuzu Upper Stadium to Blantyre District Commissioner’s offices where the self-acclaimed activist delivered a petition of their concern.
In the petition, Kalindo urged President Chakwera to immediately solve some economic challenges the majority of Malawians are facing.
He also gave Chakwera an option to call for a referendum for citizens to decide whether he proceeded governing the country or not.
“If the current regime does not have answers to issues like high prices of commodities, kwacha depreciation and mess at Immigration Offices, Dr. Chakwera should step aside,” said Kalindo.
Again, Kalindo said he wants the government to hike civil servants salaries by at least 50 percent, revise some levies and adjust downwards electricity tariffs, among others.
“A 10 percent salary increment for civil servants is an insult. Why raising salaries with only 10 percent and devaluing the Malawi Kwacha by 44 percent. This 10 percent salary increment increment is nothing and we want the salary for civil servants to be increased by at least 50 percent,” said Kalindo in an angry face.
He then threatened to mobilize citizens into unstoppable series of nationwide protests if President Lazarus Chakwera fails to respond to their demands and grievances within 20 days.
“If the current regime does not have answers to issues like high prices of commodities, kwacha depreciation and mess at Immigration Offices, Dr. Chakwera should step aside,” he warned.
Representing the district commissioner, Charles Mphepo received the petition and pledged to ensure it reaches the relevant authorities.
“We have received Kalindo’s petition and we will deliver it to the right authorities as advised,” he said.
But Information Minister, Moses Kunkuyu said President Chakwera is not leaving his office for he is doing the best he can to restore everything.
“The president cannot just sit and not act on the things that would make Malawi a better place for everyone.
“But he is working in a way that lays solid foundations for the good Malawi. As such, Dr Chakwera is not going to leave his duty station,” said Kunkuyu.
A few days ago, Finance Minister, Simplex Chithyola Banda also expressed optimism that the prevailing economic situation was likely going to improve following the approval of the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility Program worth $174 million.
He said this would see more development partners and other donors unlocking their direct budgetary support to Malawi; critical to the country’s efforts of recovery the economy.
