CSOs Calls For Removal of Chirumba MDF Check-Point

A consortium of Civil Society Organizations in Mzuzu City has called on government to ensure maximum revenue collection at designated points across the country against the cases of harassment and bribery.

The call comes in the wake of alleged continued cases of harassment and bribery taking place at Chirumba military check-point being manned by officers from Chirumba Barracks of the Malawi Defense Force in Karonga district.

Speaking during the press briefing in Mzuzu on Thursday CSO leaders says it has been established that while some individuals would want to abuse their political influence to evade duty but the conduct of some officers manning the military check-point is infringing on people’s rights.

Speaking after the press briefing in Mzuzu on Thursday the Chairperson of the CSO grouping, Masauko Thawe from the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) accused some religious leaders who have all along been critical to government on trivial matters whom he said are deliberately posing a blind eye on the issue despite received numerous complaints.

“There is a need for our clergy to at least sometimes speak on such urgent matters which need attention for peace and tranquility, we need to engage more on these and call for mediation,” Thawe said.

Meanwhile, the CSOs have called on government to substitute the MDF officers with police or immigration officials if indeed there is need to maintain the Chirumba check-point which he said falls within the mandate of the Ministry of Homeland Security.

“The army should surrender the check-point which is an interior post falling under the ministry of Homeland Security,” he said.

In passing the CSOs also commended some recent government businesses such as the removal of exorbitant or punitive taxes on second hand vehicles but expressed disappointment with the slower infrastructure development progress on roads, hospitals and schools.

The consortium of Civil Society Organizations comprised of: HRDC, Pace for Social Change, Young Human Rights Defenders Network, Young Women Can do it and Phunzirani Organization.