Malawi celebrates 58 years of Independence

Malawians are today commemorating 58 years of independence.

As part of the celebrations, the country has held national service of worship in Lilongwe.

Political leaders including President Dr Lazarus Chakwera and Vice president Dr Saulos Chilima and Religious leaders from several denominations attended the prayers.

In his sermon, Sheikh Yusuf Chibwana, Vice Chairman of the Muslim Association of Malawi urged Malawians to pray for the good of the country.

Chibwana also asked Malawians to change their mindset and engage in activities which will uplift their well-being and the country as a whole.

In his remarks, President Dr Lazarus Chakwera said Malawians should make choices which will take the country forward.

“I am committed to fight corruption, lawlessness, lack of accountability and political division,” Chakwera

He stressed that will ensure a new Malawi has arisen and asked Malawians not to look down upon themselves.

Meanwhile, economic and human rights activist said economic independence is still a farfetched dream for Malawi, 58 years down the line.

In an interview with Radio Islam, Tobias Milward of Center for Economic Policy and Research and Michael Kaiyatsa of Center for Human Rights and Rehabilitation attribute the sad reality to poor leadership that the country has had in the years.

Milward and Kaiyatsa said “only when the country has in place leaders who prioritize the interest of the nation, the country will not experience progress.”

According to Milward the progress that Malawi has made in the 58 years of independence is below minimum.

Milward however commended the country’s performance on political independence and technology advancement.

Agreeing with Milward, Kaiyatsa says achieving political independence means nothing if Malawi still relies on the same countries it sought independence from, for support.