Synod says Malawi federalism movement ‘unstoppable’

Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Synod of Livingstonia  new moderator the Reverend Douglas Chipofya on Sunday  took the federation issue to his congregants in his sermon at St Andrews Church in Mzuzu saying federalism  proponents should not be intimidated  as they are free to propose and debate  the system in a democracy.

Chipofya contrary to what was in the media after clergy’s meeting with Presidential advisor on Parliament and Unity Simon Vuwa Kaunda that the Synod does not endorse debate on federation, said the church was backing the public debate on the matter, pointing out that for some people to be campaigning for federal government, it means something is wrong.

The Moderator clearly indicated that people must be given the choice.

“Let me make clear that the synod is not against federalism as it was portrayed in some quarters. The stand of the synod is that proponents of federalism should be heard,” said the synod’s spiritual father.

He stressed that Livingstonia Synod supports taking debate to the people for final decision.

The Peter Mutharika government, through presidential adviser on national unity Symon Vuwa Kaunda, has been countering calls for federalism by telling chiefs that its proponents want to divide the country and there is need for them to stand against it to ensure unity in the country.

During Paramount Chief M’mbelwa V’s coronation ceremony at Edingeni in Mzimba on Saturday, the Synod moderator asked government, M’mbelwa V and other chiefs to allow people to debate federalism, saying Malawi is not a dictatorship where people can be threatened for voicing out their concerns.

Chipofya took a swipe at chiefs for playing party politics instead of being custodians of traditional duties. He advised chiefs that they are on those positions because they were chosen by God to serve his people.

“This business of saying ‘chiefs are supposed to work with government of the day’ has had majority chiefs taking it out of context and this has resulted in being perceived as one way of gaining personal favour from incumbent Presidents who have corrupted chiefs with huge cash hands that do not benefit their subjects and if you don’t call it corruption then I don’t what the word corruption means,” lamented the Moderator.

Inkosi Mtwalo and former state vice-president Khumbo Kachali spoke in support of the synod.

Said Kachali: “The voice of the people and whatever it says stands and no one can go against.”

Kachali warned that the people will not stop raising their concerns until government listens to their cries.

Despite presence of Paramounts Kyungu and Chikulamayembe, no response on federation issue was evident from both chiefs as well as government officials.

So far government has indicated that they are willing to engage people in debate.