Lilongwe vendors against anti-govt protests

Lilongwe Urban Vendors Association has spoken against the January 13 demonstrations, saying the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) planning for the same are doing so with a biased mind.

The association’s chairman Mark Namponya told reporters that the issue of Tsoka Market’s fire was one issue which the CSOs could have triggered rapid response.

“We are a people who rely on business but when we are in problem and the so called organisations tend to ignore us then we wonder who can we rely on in times of need.

“Upon hearing of the intended demonstrations, we sat and discuss the issue and at the end of the day we reached a consensus that we should  not be  part of it.”

Namponya said the protests organisers  “seem to be politically motivated” .

He was addressing the reporters together  with  Hardwell Kachibekete and Bonface Chimkanda vice Chair and spokesperson respectively.

The vendors said its high time that people who matter most in public decision making positions should consider involving all interested partners.

Civil society organizations have planned to hold the demonstration on Tuesday  January 13 to force Beautify Malawi Trust (BEAM) and Muhlakho wa Alomwe (MWA) to return money they obtained from National Aids Commission (NAC).

NAC reportedly provided the funds to the BEAM and MWA which do not have any HIV/AIDS interventions programs to warrant such financial support.