Malawi Leader Praises Press, Urged to Boost Journalist Safety
MISA Malawi Vice Chair Chisomo Ngulube commended Chakwera's commitment to meeting the media regularly, a rarity in other nations.
LILONGWE, Malawi -- For the third time since assuming office, President Lazarus Chakwera hosted members of the media fraternity for a breakfast as part of commemorations of the annual World Press Freedom Day on May 3, writes Winston Mwale.
"Thematically, the day is being celebrated from two fronts. The global theme is 'A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis' while here at home the press has settled for 'Guardians of Democracy: Championing Media Independence for Credible Elections,'" Chakwera said.
"Both themes reflect the significance of media freedom in advancing active citizen participation in all matters surrounding good governance, climate change management and development."
Chakwera underscored the need for collective and responsible journalism, dismissing claims he ordered arrests of journalists.
"I want to emphasize the significance of media sharing positive and compelling stories about Malawi," he said. "Even as you expose corruption and uphold human rights, tell uplifting stories too."
The president assured the administration's commitment to promoting press freedoms through reforms like operationalizing the Access to Information Act and repealing repressive laws.
Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu Kalongashawa praised journalists for ensuring good governance, vowing no unjust detentions and encouraging coverage of development initiatives.
MISA Malawi Vice Chair Chisomo Ngulube commended Chakwera's commitment to meeting the media regularly, a rarity in other nations.
However, she appealed for continued meetings and addressing challenges journalists face after some were arrested and beaten last year.
Ngulube urged protecting journalists during next year's elections.