The President Prof. Peter Mutharika has called on all tribes and ethnic groups in the country to be united for the sake of the development of the country.

He was speaking Sunday at Chonde in Mulanje during the 9th event of Mulhako wa Alhomwe Annual Festival which took place under the theme ‘the youth and culture’.

Speaking to thousands that gathered to witness the event which has proven to be one of the most popular cultural activities over the past nine years, the President emphasized on the importance of ethnic groups working together towards the realization of sustainable development in the country.

“I would like to call upon my fellow Lhomwes and all tribes that exist in Malawi to be united and to continue participating actively in development because that is the only way through which we can achieve our national goals,” Mutharika said.

He observed that there was great importance for the youths to know a lot about their background through cultural practices and traditional activities such as Mulhako wa Alhomwe, adding that leaving the youths out of such activities would lead to the death of culture.

On development, Mutharika pledged that his government would continue lining up development activities that would ensure that Malawians are living decent affordable lives as they continue to live together in peace and harmony.

Speaking earlier on, Minister of Culture and Civic Education, Dr Patricia Kaliati commended the Mulhako wa Alhomwe festival for considering the youths as one important segment in culture and development.

The Minister said it was very important to involve youths in all activities that needed sustainability as youths have the capability of taking the nation to the next level of development, given all the necessary opportunities.

“Our youths should be provided with enough education, employment activities and most importantly, they should start to get more involved in things that can develop our country as opposed to being a demolition section in our society,” the Minister emphasized.

Chairperson of Mulhako wa Alhomwe, Professor James Seyani said the youths were a backbone of the country’s future, hence this year’s theme which seeks to highlight on the trust and confidence the country has on the youths.

During this year’s celebrations, traditional dances from various tribes from across the country were performed, among them the Ngoni, Yao, Sena, Tonga and Lhomwe themselves.

The Mulhako wa Alhomwe Annual Festival was established in the year 2008 under the leadership of former President the late Prof. Bingu wa Mutharika who was the first Patron of the grouping, years before the current President took over.