By Burnett Munthali
In an exclusive interview, Comrade Edward Kambanje, the fiery representative of the Concerned Citizens of Malawi, did not mince his words as he addressed the events of December 20, 2024, when a group of young individuals disrupted proceedings in Parliament. The incident, which escalated to confrontations with opposition MPs, sparked national outrage and raised critical questions about the state of Malawi’s democracy.
Speaking with unrelenting candor, Comrade Kambanje described the disruption as a “disgraceful episode” that exposed the fragility of the nation’s democratic institutions. “What we saw in Parliament was a calculated assault on democracy. This was not a spontaneous gathering; it was orchestrated chaos meant to intimidate and silence opposing voices,” he asserted.
When asked about the chants of “Boma ndilomweli” by the youth, Kambanje was blunt: “This slogan was not an expression of patriotism; it was a weapon of division. It undermines the very essence of a democratic Parliament, where all voices should be heard. Such antics disrupt meaningful debate and tarnish the dignity of the House.”
Kambanje warned that Malawi’s democratic gains were at risk if such disruptions continued. “This is not just about what happened on December 20—it’s about the trajectory we’re on. If we allow the sanctity of Parliament to be compromised, we are paving the way for autocracy. We must act now to safeguard our democracy,” he emphasized.
Kambanje’s strongest words were reserved for the safety of MPs. “It is unacceptable that elected representatives should feel unsafe within or outside the chambers. The Speaker and the Government must guarantee their protection. We cannot allow a culture of fear to take root in our politics.” He also highlighted past instances where security concerns were raised but ignored, calling for immediate reforms in parliamentary security protocols.
Holding no punches, Kambanje placed the blame squarely on both the Speaker and the Government. “The Speaker failed to enforce order decisively, and the Government’s failure to regulate its supporters has emboldened such acts. They must both take full responsibility for this mess.”
Kambanje proposed a comprehensive review of parliamentary rules and stricter vetting of public gallery attendees. “Parliament is not a stadium or a rally. Those who enter must respect its decorum. The Speaker must enforce zero tolerance for disruptions, and security must be tightened to prevent future breaches,” he stated firmly.
In a direct appeal to the youth, Kambanje urged restraint and constructive engagement. “To the youth of Malawi: your energy is valuable, but it must be channeled positively. Intimidation and disruption are not the way to contribute to national development. Let us engage in dialogue, not division.”
Concluding the interview, Comrade Kambanje delivered a powerful message to the nation: “Malawi belongs to all of us. We cannot allow a few misguided individuals to drag us back to the dark old days. Let us unite to protect our democracy, respect the rule of law, and build a future where all voices are heard.”
This hard-hitting interview serves as a wake-up call for all Malawians to reflect on the state of their democracy and work towards preserving the sanctity of their institutions. As Kambanje aptly put it, “A democracy is only as strong as the people willing to defend it.”
