Africa-Press – Malawi. President Lazarus Chakwera Friday implored Malawians to stand against what he called forces of disunity in the country and resolve to pursue a common developmental aspiration.
Chakwera said for long, citizens have risen against powers of oppression and actions that limit their freedoms but have despised unity, as evidenced by absence of national heroes for unity.
“We have people sponsoring protests designed to divide us. As a result of this imbalance between freedom and unity, we find ourselves today a free nation, yet one in a state of desolation caused by disunity,” he said. He made the remarks during the celebration of the national day of unity and international peace held in Lilongwe.
The Malawi leader stressed the need to recognise the power of one of the founding principles of the country, the national anthem; which he said seeks to speak of the need to join hands to build the country by singing the hymn in full on all occasions.
The president has since called on citizens to work together to build the country as well as to serve Malawians selflessly. “We will build Malawi together and serve Malawians selflessly, if we do that every day, if we do that together, and if we do that with all our might, then we will rise out of desolation and reach our destiny on the shores of prosperity.
Several cultural, religious and political groups took part in the celebrations where a charter on national unity was adopted and signed by various groups.
Eleven cultural heritage groups, including from the Asian Malawian Association, performed their cultural dances while expressing commitment to continue preserving peace.
During the celebrations faith leaders prayed for peace, unity and national healing as well as several representatives of various stakeholders also made commitments to peace and unity.
Minister of National Unity Timothy Mtambo said his ministry would continue to ensure that peace and unity lives among the citizens stressing that the two are instrumental to the development of a nation.
“It is only when people are united that they can directly contribute to development. Even Foreign investors have confidence in investing in a country where unity reigns,” he said.
This is the first time for Malawi to celebrate the day whose theme was: ‘living together in unity, build peace. Conspicuously missing at the event were Democratic Progressive Party and Mulhako wa Alhomwe cultural heritage group representatives.
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