Karonga Council Meeting Postponed Amid Uproar Over Officials' Absence
The incident highlights growing tensions between local officials and community leaders in Karonga over development priorities and accountability.
KARONGA, Malawi— A full council meeting in Karonga erupted in chaos Friday when ward councilors, angered by the absence of key officials including the district commissioner, voted to postpone the session, writes Lusekero Mhango.
The meeting, intended to present Karonga's draft socio-economic profile and district development plan, quickly unraveled after Paramount Chief Kyungu demanded to know the whereabouts of Acting District Commissioner Frank Mkandawire and other council directors.
"It is disheartening that many directors would choose not to attend meetings crucial to the district's development," Kyungu said.
Council Chairperson Misheke Mwaijengo revealed that Mkandawire had cited prior engagements, sparking outrage among attendees.
"This was an important meeting to discuss our district's development plan and future," Mwaijengo said after the postponement.
"For many directors and the DC not to turn up has not gone down well with us councilors and chiefs."
Governance analyst Undule Mwakasungula criticized the absences, stating they show "a lack of commitment to participating in the development of the district."
"If the district does not have a development plan, it becomes difficult to implement development projects," Mwakasungula added.
The incident highlights growing tensions between local officials and community leaders in Karonga over development priorities and accountability.