The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiative (CDEDI) has announced to hold national wide peaceful demonstrations against President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance administration following the expiry of 14 day ultimatum the grouping gave.
In a press statement made available to Face of Malawi CDEDI said tey have been forced into action “once again after the expiry of the ultimatum that was given to President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and his Tonse Alliance government on November 23, 2020.”
About two week ago, CDEDI and the Lilongwe and Blantyre Small Scale Business Operators held a joint press briefing addressing issues that are happening in the business arena and the whole country at large.
Among key issues for demonstrations including Affordable Input Program (AIP) mess up,2020’s 6th July independence celebrations expenses disclosure, State house staff luxurious tendencies, Chakwera’s unpalatable words, silent on MK12.5 million State House-Crossroads Hotel accommodation saga, political firing and appointments, homeland Security Minister Chimwendo mob justice calls, zero on youth empowerment and among others.
“The fourteen (14) day ultimatum CDEDI and the Lilongwe and Blantyre Small Scale Business Operators gave to government has elapsed. So far, there has not been any response from the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), and neither has there been any word from the State House,” reads part of the statement.
According CDEDI Executive Director, th silence from the State House on their concerns is a sign of impunity and executive arrogance which has no space in a modern day democratic Malawi.
“It is against this background that CDEDI announces the commencement of national wide peaceful demonstrations starting with the City of Lilongwe on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, where a petition will be delivered to the country’s President, through the City’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO),” the statement read.
The statement added; “The peaceful demonstrations will then spill over to the cities of Blantyre and Mzuzu. Further details on the route that will be taken, and the time for the peaceful demonstrations will be announced in due course.”
