By Burnett Munthali
The Public Affairs Committee (PAC) has expressed concern over the rising cases of politically-motivated violence in Malawi.
As a result, the quasi-religious organization is seeking an audience with President Lazarus Chakwera and former President Peter Mutharika in a bid to encourage them to calm their supporters and promote peace.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, PAC spokesperson Bishop Gilford Matonga said the organization believes that the current wave of political violence is largely being driven by supporters of the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
According to Matonga, both MCP, led by President Chakwera, and DPP, led by Mutharika, have been implicated in violent acts associated with their political followers.
He said it is, therefore, crucial that the two political heavyweights take the lead in condemning violence and advocating for national unity and coexistence.
PAC views this proposed engagement with the two leaders as a necessary step toward addressing the growing political intolerance that has marred the country’s democratic landscape.
The organization believes that dialogue at the highest political level is key to setting the tone for peace across the country.
Matonga emphasized that Malawi cannot afford to slide into political instability driven by party loyalists acting with impunity.
He reiterated PAC’s commitment to playing a neutral and proactive role in safeguarding peace, democracy, and human dignity in Malawi.
As one of the country’s most respected governance and advocacy platforms, PAC has historically played a pivotal role in mediating political disputes and promoting peaceful transitions.
The planned engagement with both President Chakwera and former President Mutharika is expected to include frank discussions on political responsibility, the dangers of violence, and the urgent need to uphold democratic values.
PAC’s call comes at a time when various parts of the country have witnessed isolated incidents of political violence, raising public alarm and calls for stronger leadership accountability.
The nation now waits to see how both leaders will respond to this call for peace and restraint, with many hoping that their meeting with PAC will mark the beginning of a national healing process.
