Executive Director of the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD), Boniface Chibwana, has called for a political commemoration of this year’s Martyrs Day to maintain the event’s integrity and significance.
In an interview in Nkhata Bay during a stakeholder’s engagement meeting for the event, Chibwana emphasized that focusing on the martyrs’ sacrifices will promote unity and solidarity among citizens.
“As we prepare for this day, it is essential to understand that the martyrs died for this country’s freedom and wanted self-rule, so Malawians can govern themselves.
“That is why we are emphasizing that this commemoration should be apolitical, as the martyrs died for everyone in this country,” he said.
According to Chibwana, during the commemoration, political party colours and affiliations should be set aside to remember that martyrdom is about self-rule.
He added that all political parties must attend the event as one nation.
Principal Secretary responsible for national Unity in the Ministry of Local Government Unity and Culture, Dr. Elizabeth Gomani stated that preparations for this year’s National Martyrs Day event are at an advanced stage and will be unique compared to previous years.
“As the government, we are ready for this function, and we want to keep commemorating it as a national event.
“We have produced a commemorative cloth for the first time, and we want everyone to come in one colour, not in political party colours,” Gomani said.
“We have also made efforts to engage the media to educate the masses on the distinction between Chilembwe Day and Martyrs Day, and everyone is welcome on this day,” she added.
Representative of the deceased families, James Thawi praised the government for taking over responsibility for organising the event, describing it as a sign of empathy towards the families.
Martyrs’ Day is observed annually in the country on 3rd March to honour those who sacrificed their lives for freedom and self-rule.
This year’s celebration will take place in Nkhata Bay under the theme “The Martyrs: A Great Model of Patriotism and is expected to be led by President Dr Lazarus MacCathy Lazarus Chakwera.
