Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has called upon President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera and his government to take immediate and robust measures to resolve the scarcity of fuel to alleviate the crisis and mitigate its far-reaching consequences.
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HRDC national chairperson Gift Trapence, in a statement shared with the media on Thursday, said the coalition is deeply concern with the dire fuel crisis that has gripped the nation, adding that it is signifies government’s lack of effort and explanation regarding an issue that has now brought Malawi to a standstill, making the lives of Malawians unbearable.
“The current state of affairs is both alarming and unsettling, as the government’s inaction and silence on this matter has left the nation questioning whether there is any executive or political leadership in place to address this pressing concern. At HRDC, we find ourselves deeply troubled by President Lazarus Chakwera’s conspicuous absence during this crisis. In times like these, our nation seeks a leader who can provide explanations and reassurance that the government is working tirelessly to resolve the situation,” reads the statement in part.
Trapence said they are also disturbed by the silence exhibited by the government towards this crisis, along with various other challenges facing the nation.
He said it was disheartening that amidst the long queues for fuel, the President and his Cabinet have chosen to remain silent, causing anxiety among well-meaning Malawians.
“As HRDC, we fervently implore President Lazarus Chakwera to recognize the gravity of the fuel problem and treat it as the national crisis. We urge the government to swiftly address the fuel crisis and alleviate the hardships faced by Malawians. In the hope that the President may not be fully aware of the implications of this crisis, we would like to draw his attention to the fact that fuel is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy,” he said in the statement.
The coalition warned that the repercussions of the fuel crisis could be far-reaching and has affected many businesses and Malawians are failing to perform their economic activities.
“The livelihoods of countless Malawians are hanging in the balance, and the time for decisive action is now. It is our collective responsibility to ensure the well-being of our fellow citizens and safeguard the prosperity of our nation. Let us stand united in these challenging times, and may the resolve of our leaders match the determination of the people they serve. Together, we can overcome this crisis and build a stronger, more resilient Malawi,” thus concludes the statement.
