Malawi Launches Nationwide Effort to Combat Discrimination
As Malawi looks to the future, the fight against discrimination forms a key pillar of its long-term development plan, Malawi2063.
DOWA, Malawi -Malawi's Department of National Unity has launched a groundbreaking initiative to address the persistent challenges of regionalism, tribalism, and racism that have long plagued the nation, writes Vincent Gunde.
The program, which engages citizens through District Councils across the country, aims to unite Malawians by fostering understanding and developing targeted strategies to combat discrimination.
According to a 2018 study on common causes of conflicts in Malawi, ethnicity and regionalism were identified as major contributors to social discord.
This finding aligns with a 2013 background report on the National Peace architecture, highlighting the deep-rooted nature of these issues.
The Department of National Unity's engagement program seeks to explore the extent and impact of these divisive forces, as well as evaluate the effectiveness of existing legal instruments designed to address them.
Dyton Kang'oma, Acting Director of Peace and National Unity, emphasized the global significance of the issue.
"Regionalism, tribalism, and racism play a significant role in dividing communities not only in Malawi but globally," he stated during a briefing with the District Executive Committee in Dowa.
Kang'oma drew parallels to conflicts in Sudan, DR Congo, and Ethiopia, noting that acts of discrimination often lie at the root of such strife.
While Malawi's Constitution explicitly prohibits discrimination based on race, tribe, and district of origin, the prevalence of such practices in communities suggests a gap between legislation and reality.
The engagement program aims to bridge this divide by directly involving citizens in identifying the causes and potential solutions to these deeply ingrained social issues.
"The findings of the engagement meetings with communities will assist the Department of National Unity to come up with strategies for ending tribalism, regionalism, and racism in line with its mandate of uniting all Malawians regardless of their differences," Kang'oma explained.
As Malawi looks to the future, the fight against discrimination forms a key pillar of its long-term development plan, Malawi2063.
The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar challenges, potentially reshaping approaches to social cohesion across the African continent.