By Vincent Gunde
Political activist Bon Kalindo, has called on MDF Commander General Dr. Paul Velentino Phiri and Police Inspector General Mrs. Merlyne Nachulu Yolamu to leave their legacy in the mind of all Malawians and not be called the worst office holders.
Kalindo said being Army Commander and Police Inspector General is not a passport to be threatening people in a country of democracy saying the two prime security institutions have different constitutional mandates.
He said the MDF being above the Malawi Police Service (MPS) was supposed to meet Police Chief to condemn the Malawi Police Service (MPS) for watching Malawi Congress Party (MCP) panga wilding thugs terrorizing, threatening and abusing innocent Malawians holding peaceful demonstrations in Lilongwe or even ordering the police to arrest those thugs.
Kalindo was responding to a joint statement issued by the MDF and MPS dated 8th January, 2025 signed by MDF Commander and Police Inspector General condemning some political parties, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and individuals for inciting violence which is resulting in breach of security, civil unrest and violation of human rights thereby compromising National Security.
In the joint statement, the MDF and MPS say they have observed the increased tendency of some political parties, CSO leaders and individuals who are using public podiums and social media to spread hate speech and false rumours aimed at creating public alarm.
The MDF and MPS say this tendency has the potential of plunging the country into chaos as the country gets closer to the 2025 General Elections saying the two security institutions believe that Malawians have the right to live their lives free from fear of political violence.
The two prime security institutions strongly warned all those involved in the said acts, that those are crimes that are punishable under the laws of Malawi, warning all citizens to desist from being used by some political parties, CSOs and individuals in acts of political violence.
“The MDF and MPS assure Malawians that they are taking all necessary measures to curb political violence to ensure maximum protection of citizens and their property,” reads the statement in part.
Kalindo said this is the first time in the history of the country for the MDF and MPS top bosses to use their positions to issue a joint statement on National Security reminding them that they are not the first in their positions, there were others before and their legacy are being enjoyed by many Malawians.
He said he is one of the activists who organizes demonstrations in the country and if this is a plan to arrest some people to silence them from speaking, he is one to lead by example of those targeted ones, and he is ready for arrest.
“There’s a constitutional provision of the right to demonstrate provided they are doing that peacefully, the joint statement has put the independence of the MDF as compromised, MCP MDF and Police,” said Kalindo.
