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By Vincent Gunde

The Concerned Citizens of Malawi (The People Power Movement) has called upon Malawians to rise and reject the gross misuse of power by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) to procure an exorbitant and highly controversial technology machine to monitor social media news.

The Concerned Citizens has also called on Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), opposition political parties and all-meaning citizens to unite and hold MACRA accountable and ensure that this misguided plan is stopped.

The Citizens Movement has assured the MCP government that they will not rest until justice prevails and this nation is steered back on to the path of democracy, accountability, and economic stability saying Malawians are watching and will not tolerate actions that betray their trust and jeopardize their future.

In a statement signed by Comrade Edwards Kambanje dated 26th January, 2025, the Concerned Citizens of Malawi has demanded a halt in the process to procure the technology machine and redirect the funds toward addressing Malawi’s urgent economic and social challenges.

The Concerned Citizens of Malawi has demanded MACRA to disclose the details of this procurement plan including its purpose, cost, and the decision-making process as well as government ceasing all efforts to infringe upon the constitutional rights of Malawians, including the right o privacy and freedom of expression.

They have demanded government to focus on providing essential services to Malawians rather than pursuing politically motivated projects saying this is a move that reeks of political manipulation, irresponsibility and disregard for the pressing needs of Malawians.

The Concerned Citizens of Malawi say this scheme shrouded in secrecy and devoid of public consultation, has raised serious questions about the motives behind such a procurement expressing fears that MACRA has chosen itself to align with a political agenda designed to infringe upon the freedoms of Malawians.

“We have every reason to believe that this procurement is not about advancing communications but rather about tightening the noose of political surveillance,” reads the statement in part.

The Concerned Citizens say if this technology is acquired, it will undoubtedly be used to monitor and suppress dissent, silence critics, and invade the privacy of innocent Malawians observing that MACRAs move is a clear indication of the government’s intent to weapon state institutions against its own people.

The Citizens Movement has vowed to reject any attempt to turn MACRA into a tool of oppression and intimidation assuring government that they will not stand watching while MACRA and its political handlers drag the nation further into darkness.

The Concerned Citizens of Malawi has finally reminded the MCP government that this is not the time for wasteful spending or authoritarian tactics, it is the time for leadership that prioritizes the welfare of Malawians and respects their rights.