Remembering July 20 victims and need for closure

On  July 20, we remember a painful chapter in our country’s democratic history. A day when we honour those who lost their lives during the nationwide demonstrations in 2011.

On that day Malawians took to the streets to express concerns over the rising cost of living, fuel and foreign exchange shortages, governance challenges, and the shrinking democratic space. Sadly, the demonstrations, which were meant to be peaceful, ended in tragedy, with 20 people losing their lives and many others injured.

Their deaths must never be forgotten. They deserve to be remembered with dignity and respect, just as we remember those who sacrificed for Malawi. They stand alongside those who gave their lives during the John Chilembwe Uprising of 1915, those who suffered during the State of Emergency in 1959, those who fought for the return of multiparty democracy in the early 1990s, and those who died or endured persecution under the one-party State. Their sacrifices, though made at different times and circumstances, contributed to shaping the democratic Malawi we have today.

It is, therefore, true to say that those who died on July 20 2011 did not die in vain. Their sacrifice reminds us that the struggle for democracy and economic freedom is never without a cost. Freedoms are built, defended, and sustained by citizens who believe in justice, liberty, and accountable leadership. Today, Malawians continue to enjoy constitutional rights because many people stood up and paid a heavy price.

But, remembering alone is not enough, there is a need for national closure.

It is 15 years now, families who lost loved ones continue to carry deep emotional pain. They have continued to ask for justice, accountability, and recognition. while tributes are important, one key step towards closure is to ensure that families of the victims receive compensation where this has not yet been fully addressed. Such a step will acknowledge the suffering of the families and demonstrate that the nation values every life of those who died.

And this closure also requires truth and accountability. As painful as it may, we must acknowledge the lessons from the past and ensure that what happened never happens again. These lessons should guide us towards protecting democracy, human rights, and preventing similar tragedies in the future. We must accept important lessons on how to manage public demonstrations more peacefully, importance of building trust between government and civil society actors as partners in development and the need for our leaders to be responsive to the needs of the people.

As a nation, we must, therefore, say no to extrajudicial killings, no to impunity, and no to the unnecessary use of force against peaceful citizens. Equally, we must reject violence, looting, destruction of property, and hate sentiments that threaten our harmony. Democracy works best when both citizens and state respect the rule of law and uphold human rights.

The greatest tribute we can give to the victims of July 20 2011 is to build a Malawi where disagreements are resolved through dialogue not violence, where security agencies protect citizens while maintaining public order, and where leaders respond quickly to people’s legitimate concerns. Government should develop effective dialogue and communication mechanisms to address public concerns before they escalate.

The memory of July 20 2011 must also inspire us to strengthen our commitment to democratic values and aspirations. We all have a role to play in safeguarding our democracy. Its survival depends on respect for human rights, accountability, tolerance, and responsible leadership.

As we pay tribute to the July 20 2011 victims let us renew our commitment to building a peaceful, democratic, and better Malawi. A country where no one is intimidated or loses their life simply for expressing their views peacefully. That will be the true meaning of remembrance. That will be genuine national closure. And that will be the legacy of those who sacrificed everything for the Malawi we enjoy today.

I salute you;  You never died in vain!.

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