Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General, Richard Chimwendo Banda, has condemned remarks made by officials from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), accusing them of attempting to incite political violence.
According to Chimwendo Banda, over the past two weeks, DPP members Maria Mainja and Daudi Chikwanje, a DPP legislator, made inflammatory statements at two separate public events, which could heighten tensions in the country.
Mainja for instance, is on record to have warned MCP against holding public rallies in Phalombe while Chikwanje, who is also Deputy Secretary General of the DPP was captured on camera allegedly inciting DPP supporters to burn MCP supporters.
At a media briefing on Monday, Chimwendo Banda described the conduct as shocking but not surprising, saying DPP is synonymous with violence.
He cited incidents such as the petrol bombing of a UTM office in Area 24, the July 20 victims killed during demonstrations in 2011 and the recent stoning of a Presidential convoy in Chikwawa, all of which he attributed to DPP’s actions.
Chimwendo Banda said such utterances and acts can bring civil unrest and called on traditional and political leaders as well as all Malawians to condemn violence of any form.
The MCP Secretary General has demanded the removal of Daudi Chikwanje from his position as Regional Governor of the DPP for his conduct.
He told the media that Chikwanje apologised for his utterances, however, Chimwendo Banda urged him to make a public apology.
By Isaac Jali
