Former Malawian President and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) leader Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has appealed to President Arthur Peter Mutharika for a truce, calling for calm and dialogue following the recent arrests of opposition figures.
In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Gift Nankhuni, Chakwera said his engagement with President Mutharika was motivated by a desire to preserve national unity, stability, and the rule of law.
He urged both the government and opposition to step back from actions that risk inflaming political tensions.
Chakwera acknowledged the authority of law enforcement but expressed concern over recent incidents involving MCP officials, including his aide, Cabinet Secretary, and senior party leaders.
He emphasized that these events should be addressed through dialogue and legal channels rather than confrontation.
“Now is the time for restraint and cooperation. We must prevent actions that undermine trust in state institutions and the democratic process,” Chakwera said, appealing for mutual respect and adherence to constitutional procedures.
The former president highlighted that even in difficult times, political disagreements should be resolved peacefully, urging civil society organizations, legal bodies, faith leaders, traditional authorities, the media, and the international community to support efforts toward reconciliation.
Chakwera concluded by calling on President Mutharika to consider a temporary “ceasefire” in political enforcement measures, with the goal of creating an environment for dialogue, national unity, and long-term stability.
