JB courts Mangochi clerics over Pork saga: Calls for religious coexistence
President Joyce Banda on Monday asked the people of Mangochi to put their differences aside and let peace prevail.
The call by President Banda comes after a group of irate Muslims went on rampage in the district after a business man was found selling pork in an open market.
President Banda called the faith leaders to a roundtable discussion at Chikoko Bay in order to find the lasting solution to the problem.
President Banda appealed to religious leaders to desist from provoking the situation saying the Republican Constitution allows co-existence among people readiness of religious affiliation.
“I urge you to please put your religious differences aside and make sure that you live peacefully among yourselves. The issue of pork selling should not divide the people, I appeal to market leaders to designate specific places for pork sellers to avoid friction amongst the people. Those selling pork should also respect other people that do not eat pork” said President Banda.
The President said she is worried that Politicians in the district have capitalized on the issue to influence their political agenda.
“I appeal to my friends in the political field to practice remorse on this issue and avoid politicizing this issue” said President Banda.
President Banda a devout Presbyterian said she respects the religious belief of everybody. She appealed to Muslims in Mangonchi and the country to avoid confrontation at all times.
“If you start chasing non-Muslims from Mangochi, what will happen to Muslims from Mangochi who are scattered across the country the Country. Please let us avoid bringing anarchy in the country” warned the Malawi leader.
President Banda said she has best plans for Muslims in the country saying for the first time Muslims in Malawi will have their first University and an Islamic Bank”
“The previous administration was again the Islamic Bank and University, my administration is finalizing paper work on the Islamic Bank and we have already found money for the University”. Said President Banda
Sheikh Ali Makalani speaking on behalf of other sheikhs, thanked President Banda for convening the meeting and promised that there won’t be any friction between Muslims and Non Muslims in the district.
“We understand that what is happening in Mangochi is giving Muslims a bad image. Pork sellers will be given designated places in our markets and we will peacefully coexist” said Mkalani a senior member of the Muslim Association of Malawi.
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