In the wake of the Reserve Bank of Malawi’s (RBM) heart-wrenching decision to devalue the local currency by a staggering 44 percent, the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has joined the echoes of despair, categorically declaring that this economic earthquake will inflict severe wounds upon an already suffering Malawian populace.
A statement signed by HRDC chairperson Gift Trapence said the bitter necessity of the devaluation, the veil of shock and distress shrouding Malawians as President Lazarus Chakwera’s leadership continues plunging the nation into a deep abyss of helplessness and despair with a callous disregard for the people’s plight.
The statement further said instead of being around to find solutions to the economic woes, Chakwera has abandoned the country,
“The truth, etched in the fabric of our collective consciousness, is that President Chakwera, at the helm of our nation, orchestrated the painful symphony leading to RBM’s fateful decision.
“He knew, even before embarking on his flight to Saudi Arabia, that the impending devaluation would unleash an unprecedented onslaught on the welfare of the very people he vowed to defend and protect.
“The undeniable consequence, marked by the abrupt surge in fuel pump prices as dictated by the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), loomed large, casting a shadow over the lives of ordinary Malawians.
“Yet, in the aftermath of the devaluation announcement, President Chakwera and his cohort have adopted an ostrich-like stance, burying their heads in the sand, hoping the catastrophic effects would miraculously dissipate.
“This callous handling of the situation only serves as damning evidence of President Chakwera’s incompetence to navigate the complexities of our economy and the affairs of our nation. In our cultural tapestry, a chief would never abandon the village during a funeral.
“Yet, President Chakwera chose to fly away to Saudi Arabia, leaving behind a nation grappling with the profound effects of a major and unpopular economic decision. The poignant impact on the local farmer in Hewe, Rumphi, or the mandasi seller in Area 25, Lilongwe, is beyond comprehension.
“It’s a national funeral, and our President, with his lieutenants, has callously left the people sinking in a vast sea of helplessness and despair. The harsh reality is that President Chakwera lacks the essence of umunthu, having forsaken his responsibility.
“Malawi, under his leadership, is reduced to a nation merely existing, not living, with a leadership that unequivocally demonstrates its incompetence to manage the economy and its failure to empathize with the suffering masses,” reads part of the statement.
HRDC has called Chakwera to immediately cut short his trips and address Malawians with actionable strategies to shield them from the effects of devaluation, transparently explain how the Fuel Price Stabilization Fund is being utilized, for it has failed to cushion the people and detail how the devaluation will contribute to economic recovery and present a plan to avoid further devaluation.
“Conduct a mid-year review of taxes on essential commodities, including income tax, to alleviate the burdens on Malawians. This is a national crisis, and we implore the President to address the nation NOW. Failure to do so will force the HRDC to mobilize Malawians for legitimate actions to protect their right to livelihood.
“The indifferent display in the face of our people’s suffering will not go unchallenged. The time for change is now,” reads the statement
