Malawians may soon hear their native tongues echoing through Parliament as the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), in collaboration with the Lost History Foundation (LHF), prepares to petition the National Assembly to deliberate on the use of the indigenous languages alongside English during parliamentary proceedings.
The two organizations, acting on behalf of the general citizenry, argue that the move is both constitutional and culturally necessary, emphasizing that promoting local languages will enhance public participation, national identity, and inclusive development.
In a joint statement signed by CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa, LHF’s Conleith Selenje, Omega Tsiku, and Zainab Hassan, the groups said the petition seeks to reaffirm Malawi’s commitment to cultural preservation while recognizing the right of citizens to access information and governance in languages they understand.
“The submission of this petition will reaffirm the constitutional, cultural, and developmental urgency of enacting laws that recognize and promote the equitable use of indigenous languages,” the statement reads in part.
The two organizations further confirmed that all the necessary steps and procedures required for presenting a petition to the August House have been duly followed, including notification to the Lilongwe District Council.
The petition is scheduled to be presented at the main entrance of Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025, starting at 10:00 a.m., where CDEDI and LHF officials, alongside citizens, are expected to gather in solidarity for what they describe as a historic call to “decolonize communication” in national governance.
If successful, the initiative could see a more inclusive parliamentary environment, allowing MPs to debate, deliberate, and represent their constituents in the languages that reflect Malawi’s diverse identity.
