Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) is demanding that Energy Minister, Ibrahim Matola, should retract and issue a public apology for the statement he made in Dedza yesterday where he described as Achule (frogs) Malawians who are asking President Lazarus Chakwera to walk his talk on austerity by cutting down travel.

Matola said Chakwera should continue to undertake these trips.

“Do not listen to frogs who tell you not to travel,” said Matola. “We want people to know that you are implementing projects which you promised.”

In his speech at the event, Chakwera did not comment on the Minister’s remarks.

Malawians on social media have since condemned Matola over the remarks saying the people the Minister was insulting are the same ones who voted for Chakwera in 2020.

Meanwhile, Leader of the group Sylvester Namiwa has described calling citizens ‘Achule’ as demeaning; and that such language is uncalled for in any democratic dispensation.