By Linda Kwanjana
Malawi leader President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has urged citizens in the Country as well as political leaders to prioritize peace and unity and refrain from perpetuating violence against rival political parties in the country.
Speaking during commemoration of Umodzi Day at Katoto Freedom Park in Mzuzu City on Thursday, Chakwera reaffirmed government commitment to combat violence and take right decisions to those found guilty of the vice.
“As a government, we are committed to take youths along in the positive development of this nation hence we will not tolerate using youths for personal selfishness,” he said.
While appreciating the role of some stakeholders in supporting youths initiatives that advocate for peace and unity, Chakwera expressed concern over actions by Civil Society Organisations that channel their energy on providing check and balance on developmental projects other than wasting their energy on cold wars arising from political disagreements.
Chakwera adds that his government is embarking on the work of distributing maize to 5.7 million Malawians who have been affected by hunger due to climate change, therefore he pleaded with CSOs and all stakeholders to hold hands and take initiative in preaching peace amongst all citizens.
Umodzi Day is an annual presidential initiative launched in 2023 which bring together all Malawians regardless of ethnicity, beliefs and values.
This year’s event was commemorated under the theme: “Cultivating a Culture of Peace through active youth engagement”.
