APM urges patriotism,unity on Martyr’s Day

President Peter Mutharika has asked Malawians to embrace patriotism and unity in honour of the martyrs who died while fighting for the country’s independence on March 3 1959. In his Martyr’s Day message yesterday, the President urged citizens to emulate those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle against colonial rule. “To honour these silent heroes, I call upon everyone to emulate their patriotism and unite so that together we should build our nation,” he said.

Nyika Institute executive director Moses Mkandawire welcomed the President’s call, but said Malawians have fallen short of the values the martyrs fought for, citing integrity challenges. “If they were to see what we are doing, they would be frustrated. We are behaving as if they died in vain, which is unfortunate,” he said.

Mkandawire faulted the country for failing to adequately document and teach the history of its heroes, noting that pre-independence political leaders such as Levi Ziliro Mumba are largely overlooked. He said Mumba established the Native Association, which engaged the colonial government, championed the introduction of secondary education and helped lay the groundwork for the Nyasaland African Congress, the fore-runner to the Malawi Congress Party. “Our children are not learning about such heroes in school,” Mkandawire said, adding that Malawi needs a comprehensive record of all those who contributed to the liberation struggle, not only those who died on March 3 1959.

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Human Rights Defenders Coalition chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa also welcomed the President’s remarks but challenged leaders to demonstrate patriotism through action. “Patriotism has to start with leaders. We need to see respect for human rights and freedoms, the freedoms the martyrs fought for, and ensure they are protected and enjoyed equally by all,” he said. For over a decade, government has pledged to establish a National Heroes’ Acre where heroes would be buried or commemorated with replica graves, but the project remains unfulfilled.

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