Concerned Kamuzu Academy Alumni have urged President Peter Mutharika to demonstrate leadership and take charge of the worsening security situation in the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the concerned group said the nation is looking up to the President to restore order to save the country’s reputation as the Warm Heart of Africa.
“We want the President to halt this seeming descent into the abyss of violence that is engulfing the nation and to put an end to the uncertainty and insecurity in the country. The prevailing situation cannot be allowed to continue unaddressed, “reads the statement in part.
Speaking on behalf of the alumni, Rose Polo condemned what happened in and around Msundwe in Lilongwe early this month where a police officer was killed and community members including women were later attacked by alleged police officers in an apparent retaliation.
She said: “We only want the best for our country. Innocent lives and hard-earned property have been lost. We will make an effort to galvanise the masses and educate them on their rights as citizens. We also hope to work with our lawmakers to help them realise they have the power to change things for the better.”
The statement further expressed concern over what it calls violence meted out between State agents and rioting citizens against property and protesters marching in towns and cities over the past few months.
The alumni further said while the establishment of a commission of inquiry by the police to look into their own conduct is good news, but there is need for an independent inquiry chaired by a reputable and independent retired judge for impartiality and credibility.
On his arrival from the Russia-Africa Summit in Russia on Saturday, Mutharika offered an olive branch to opposition political parties, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to try and end the political impasse in the country.
On their part, Human Right Defenders Coalition (HRDC) and UTM Party have said they are ready for dialogue while Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has declined the offer saying Mutharika won the election fraudulently and cannot call for reconciliation.
