By Durell Namasani
After what could be described as a year long hiatus from frontline politics, Timothy Mtambo , the Commander of the Citizen Transformation Movement has resurfaced. Addressing Malawians at a press briefing held in Lilongwe of Saturday, Mtambo unleashed a new direction for the movement while making commentary of the current economic, social and political state of affairs in Malawi.
“Fellow Malawians, you have known me as an activist. You will recall that 4 years a go, I joined fellow Malawians of goodwill across the country in pressing for change and seeking electoral justice after Malawians had lost hope in the DPP administration. Memories of how we braved the rains, police brutality, the cold and the heat while on the streets are still fresh” an opening statement from Mtambo, the man that is usually known to many as “Comrade”
After giving a brief description of where we are coming from , Mtambo quickly drifted into the expectation that was there when a regime change took place back in 2020 “We all had expectations that we were going to the promised land, Canaan, a land of milk and honey”
Mtambo recalled how promises were made and how Malawians believed in the change that was to come. While acknowledging that the current administration has done well in other areas, The former Minister of National Unity acknowledged that the country is still facing many economic challenges which Malawians thought would come to an end after the current administration came to power.
“We are still in abject poverty and commodity prices are rising every day. The gap between the rich and the poor is increasing and the sluggish economy growth. Currently we are grappling with passport, sugar and hunger crises”
“To many Malawians, access to basic necessities of life is still a nightmare. . , The but majority can hardly afford one meal a day and our health care system continues to struggle. The impact of the recent devaluation cannot be overemphasized and corruption continues to impair our institutions”
Mtambo highlighted that while effects of natural disasters, the Russia Ukraine war and Covid 19May have played a role, the reality is that this is not the change Malawians wanted and voted for.
In making a clarification on the commonly asked question and criticism on why he accepted a ministerial role in the current regime Mtambo said he humbly accepted the appointment not out of self-interest but genuine belief that it was a privileged opportunity to serve the country at the upper echelons of state power. “I had not anticipated the offer of the ministerial position because there were no promises made between President Chakwera and the CFT leadership, or myself during the campaign period”
“I hoped that by accepting the ministerial position, I would easily and effectively contribute to the much-needed political, socio-economic change, and aid in the fight against corruption, cronyism, regionalism and nepotism that were institutionalized by the previous government”
At this Point Mtambo reassured Malawians that activism is in his DNA and that despite his current political path , he will always be an activist.
On his CFT Movement , Mtambo reminded Malawians that the movement is built on what he described as “Ten Revolutionary Commandments” for radical economic and industrial transformation in Malawi. The Commandments include;
Economic Transformation and Industrialization
Food Security and Rural Transformation
Fighting Corruption and Promoting Administrative Justice
Energy Development and Industrial Transformation
Equitable Distribution of Infrastructure, Development, and Wealth
Effective Land, Natural Resources, and Environment Management
Human Capital Development, Science, and Technology
Civic, Social, and Political Engagement
Youth and Women Empowerment
Effective and Efficient Public Service and Tax Justice
Giving a glimpse of what the future for the movement will be like. Mtambo said that CFT is prepared to work with all well meaning Malawians regardless of political affiliation, in formulating solutions to the current economic challenges.
“As CFT, we shall not discriminate anyone wishing to work with us for the common good. We have all experienced hardships together. As CFT, we will soon be unveiling our new political strategies, all directed at transforming this country”
Mtambo press briefing has already shocked the nation as this is a shift in position by the movement that many assumed was a mouthpiece of the current regime.
