Malawi Police Fire Teargas At Anti-government Protestors
Faizan Hashmi Published November 26, 2021 | 07:10 PM
Lilongwe, Malawi, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Nov, 2021 ) :Police in Malawi fired teargas to disperse thousands of protestors demonstrating on Friday against the cost of living, corruption and nepotism in government.
Around 10,000 people led by former lawmaker Bon Kalindo were teargassed midway through a march to the council offices in the capital Lilongwe to present a petition.
Kalindo slammed the police for quashing a lawful protest.
"In a democracy set-up, this is shameful," he said. "We got permission to demonstrate and this is uncalled for." Protesters carried placards calling on President Lazarus Chakwera's government to honour its campaign promises, especially its pledge to create a million jobs.
The demonstrators regrouped and handed in a petition giving government 14 days to respond.
Information Minister Gospel Kazako insisted the government was already addressing the demands.
"We can assure them, the issues are already being attended to," he told AFP.
"Regrettably, it's something that cannot be addressed in 14 days. It involves recalibration of our systems".
There is growing disillusionment with president Chakwera's government, more than a year after he won a historic court-sanctioned election rerun.
Friday's protests were the first major signs of dissent since Chakwera came to power, inheriting an almost bankrupt economy in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"This cannot be solved in a year or two and.... there is a general feeling of discontent," said University of the Witwatersrand University researcher Michael Jana.
"Unfortunately, the government does not seem to have a clue to solve the problems," he said.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
SIU arrests robbery gang targeting bank customers
Asia Cricket Week from April 28
PSA World C'ships in May
Food Safety Authority raids hospitals' canteen across KP
US Fed's favored inflation measure accelerates in March
Kenya flood death toll since March climbs to 70: govt
Rafiq-ul-Hujajj Committee to organize 2nd training session for pilgrims in Abbot ..
Defence Minister leads Pakistan's delegation to Kazakhstan SCO moot
PRCS Chairman, Moroccan envoy discuss humanitarian relations
50pc cut in subsidy of BRT service likely: CM’s aide
Russia striking Ukraine railways to 'paralyse' army cargo: Ukraine source
Cop, suspected outlaw injured in police encounter
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
8 hours ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
8 hours ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
3 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
4 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
5 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
5 days ago
-
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
5 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
5 days ago -
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
7 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
11 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
12 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
12 days ago