Durrell Namasani
Tributes have been pouring for one for the veteran Human Rights activists in the country Emmie Chanika who has sadly passed away at the age of 66.
Chanika, who founded the Civil Liberties Committee (Cilic), died Friday morning at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe after battling stroke.
According to a family member, Tonny Kachikondo, remains of Chanika are expected to be taken to Blantyre where vigil is taking place at her residence in Namiwawa.
Chanika was one of the very first activists to surface in Malawi at the dawn of Multiparty Democracy. Her fearless approach made her a darling of the oppressed.
In paying his tribute ,another veteran activists Billy Maya wrote “To those who may not know, when we founded the Human Rights Consultative Committee, they were no allowances, no lunch allowances nothing. As a secondary school teacher, we would abscond from work and join the likes of Emmie Chanika, Marcel Chisi, Faustace Chirwa Reen Kachere and Lucky Crown Mbewe on a rickety minibus to have a day long meeting in Lilongwe and head back to Blantyre the same day. During the Third Term/Open Term bids of President, we were tear-gassed and stoned by UDF women. It was hell but we were committed to the cause. One woman stood her ground Emmie Chanika. As l learnt of the loss of Emmie, I was reminded of those days. You ran the race and did your part. May your soul Rest In Peace!”
Habib Osman wrote “The loss of a human rights icon, my Mum Emmie Chanika is a blow to the human rights fraternity! What a sad day!
