CSO’s change demo route in Lilongwe, set for ‘red’ street protests

Malawi civil-society groups organising the Tuesday, January 13  anti-government  street protests  against the National Aids Commission’s (NAC) disbursement of funds to non-conventional organisations and governance concerns have said the demonstrations will go on peacefully with only  “slight” changes of the Lilongwe route.

Spokeman of the demonstrations, Timonthy Mtambo said change on the Lilongwe route has come about  following an interface meeting with the Malawi Police Service  “where they expressed security concerns over the Mchesi route.”

He said: “ We hence agreed to abort the Mchesi route by instead opting for Kamuzu Central Hospital Roundabout as the converging place via Lingadzi Round about via National Aids Commission Offices via Parliament then deliver the petition at the Civic Officers.”

In Blantyre they will converge at  Upper Stadium via Highway and then deliver the petition at the Civic Offices.

Northern city of Mzuzu, people will gather at  Katoto via Mzuzu clock tower via Mzuzu High Court round about and then deliver the petition at Civic Offices

In Zomba they will start from  Community ground via Mponda Primary School and then direct to Zomba district assembly to deliver the petition

And in Karonga at Karonga roundabout then direct to Karonga district assembly to deliver the petition.

The CSOs are taking to the street on January 13 against NAC’s disbursement of funds to First Lady Gertrude Mutharika’s Beautify Malawi (Beam) Trust and Mulhako wa Alhomwe cultural group which counts President Peter Mutharika among its members.

Mtambo said  Police Service and the relevant duty bearers including the DCs and Chief executives “have not only been cooperative throughout the planning phase but also shown deep commitment towards ensuring that we have a peaceful, successful demonstration.”

He added: “ We have no doubt that the law enforcers will live to their word throughout the process especially during the day of demonstrations. As on our part, we remain committed to ensuring a peaceful demonstration by adhering to the law and human rights precepts.”

According to the police, the general public should feel free to go about their daily economic and social activities without fear as it is in full control.