Chinsinga re-sounds ‘red card’ revolution
University of Malawi political scientist Blessings Chinsinga, who was at the centre of the academic freedom standoff and eventual protests, has sounded a ‘red card’ revolution against the regime, claiming that democratic values were being eroded under the watch of President Bingu wa Mutharika’s leadership.
Making his presentation at a Public Affairs Committee (PAC) meeting meant to discuss political and economic challenges in Malawi on Wednesday at Limbe Catholic Cathedral, Chinsinga noted that Mutharika administration had failed to deliver its promises to live up to the expectations of the citizens.
He said there are clear signs of a democratic culture which is being eroded and democratic values are being flouted.
Chinsinga also observed that there is a crackdown on dissenting views, the media is being gagged by the state and the civil society organisations are going through numerous threats.
“Malawi is a democratic country in name only,” said Chinsinga.
He said: “In football if you don’t play by the rules you are given a yellow card [as a caution], if you continue, you are given a red card (marching orders).”
Chinsinga said from 2005 onwards, there has been a retrogression of various freedoms Malawi had embraced following the dawn of the new political order in 1993.
The political scientist did not however indicate whether the red card meant a recall movement against President Mutharika. But the meeting will come up with resolutions at the end.
Commenting, veteran politician Gwanda Chakuamba said: “This meeting should resolve that enough is enough, 2014 is too far.”
Recently, a group calling itself ‘Malawi Citizens’ said the Mutharika government deserves nothing less than a red card.
They want Malawians to wave the red flag or red card in the air when one see any member of the Cabinet or other senior government officials.
“This must be done in the same way as football referees do when sending off a player who has breached football rules.”
During the meeting, Catholic outspoken priest Father Emmanuel Masauko led the delegates to sing the classic song of “dziko ndi lathu koma Livingstin waononga” in apparent reference to ‘Big Kahuna’ who has set the country into economic and political turmoil.
The cleric condemned the feudalism in the country under the Mutharika rulership.
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