Malawians against Lhomwe state formulation

Concerned Malawians have opposed the idea to make Mulanje and Thyolo a single state and have also cast a serious doubt on people’s interest to create an independent state.

Instead of engaging in the daunting tasks of nation-building, the Lhomwes have hinted without exception to merge their two districts and form a nation.

Malawians who took time to post their views on Malawi24’s “Maganizo Anu” described the idea as disastrous.

They have described the idea as unwelcome and that it is the birth of conflicts that can culminate in their collective undoing and continued statelessness.

A high percentage of Malawians have raised fears that making the Lhomwe belt a state can end tragically.

The statehood of Mulanje and Thyolo is being championed by People’s Land Organization (PLO) which demands that the locals from the districts get paid for the tea estates that are in the area.

In his post, Desire Simon opposed Lhomwes championing the idea to dismantle the two districts from Malawi.  He added that the problems suffered by the people from districts are due to overpopulation which results in scramble for limited available resources.

“Where were you all these times? Bearing children is not something you have to be proud of and it’s not a development. It’s because of your failure to be self dependence you have lost the land,” read the post.

While Willy Makolija questioned the period the whites have been occupying the lands.

“Azungu akunenedwawa anayamba kulima liti mindayi? Nde mukakhuta deya uko mkumazinamiza kuti mulande minda ati anakubelani, inu mulikuti nthaw imeneyo,” read his views written in vernacular.

However, other concerned Malawians sided with the Lhomwes saying it is the only way local people can be financially stable.

The young generation of Lhomwe activists who came up with the idea with the view of reducing “poverty” do share ambitions and are more committed.

This is evidenced by engagement of Peter Mutharika in addressing the matter.

The idea is also evident in the diverse composition of the movement which comprises self-proclaimed activist, Bon Kalindo.

Among those who sided with the Lhomwe is Smith Moyo: “leave them and let them have their own government.  We are fed up with these people. (Awasiye akhale ndi dziko lawo, a Lomwe atikwana pa Malawi pano,)”

According to Malawi Centre for Advice, Research and Education on Rights (CARER) 60%  of  people  working  as  labourers in Mulanje and Thyolo  and  those  living  around  the  estates  are  illiterate  and this  perpetuates  the  cycle  of  poverty.