Minister Gangata leads Remembrance Day service in President’s absence

Malawi joined other Commonwealth nations on Sunday in commemorating Remembrance Day, paying tribute to servicemen and women who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars and subsequent conflicts.

The national ceremony was held at the National War Memorial Tower in Area 18, Lilongwe.

However, President Arthur Peter Mutharika did not preside over the event, despite the annual observance traditionally being led by the Head of State in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Malawi Defence Force.

Instead, the President was represented by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Alfred Gangata, who laid a wreath on behalf of the nation during the ceremony.

The commemoration came days after the launch of this year’s Poppy Week campaign, which was inaugurated by Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi.

The campaign is held annually to honour members of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice during wartime and other military operations.

Among the dignitaries attending the ceremony were Deputy Chief Secretary to the Government Stuart Ligomeka, Commander of the Malawi Army Major General Lackson Dziwika Phiri, representing the Chief of Defence Force, and Deputy Inspector General of Police Dr Noel Kayira, representing the Inspector General of Police.

Also present were Lilongwe Deputy Mayor Triza Silo, diplomats, military veterans and foreign representatives, including Japan’s Ambassador to Malawi, Naito Yasushi.

Remembrance Day is observed across Commonwealth countries each year to honour those who died in military service, with ceremonies typically centred on wreath-laying, moments of silence and tributes to fallen soldiers.