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Silence Ignores the People's Right to Know

The Chronicle Newspaper (Lilongwe)
EDITORIAL
July 8, 2003
Posted to the web July 8, 2003
Lilongwe
Although one can condemn terrorism in the strongest possible terms and believe
that it should have no place in our midst because it effectively violates our
right to security, the silence that has existed since the matter of the removal
from Malawi of the 5 al Qaeda suspects is cause for concern.
One would even go as far as saying that the silence, rather than address the
difficult situation we find ourselves in actually makes it worse and allows
some elements in society to act unilaterally to obtain redress. The facts as
seen show that Malawi has not observed the rule of law in the matter and
although two wrongs do not make a right it is this reckless disregard for
proper process that allows the negation of other rights.
It would be appropriate, after so long a silence to remind government that
issues of transparency, especially on the al Qaeda issue should be paramount so
that the public is aware of what is happening. It certainly is not conducive to
acceptable behaviour and action for government to keep all Malawians in the
dark on what is actually transpiring. Such a sensitive matter should not be the
exclusive preserve of the leadership because it affects the whole nation.
Even the DPP Fahad Assani's assertion on the BBC that this is a matter of
'National Security' and therefore not for public consumption is unacceptable.
It is because it is of such import that the people of Malawi should be informed
periodically of the developments. The current trend of giving piece meal
explanations under pressure is not being responsive to the nation's concerns.
We believe that it is because of governments reluctance to 'come clean' that
inflames the people to demonstrate and issue threats to both the government and
the Americans. A plain simple and regular statement of the situation which
updates the people would go a long way in diffusing and tensions and possibly
reduce the heat in a situation where the hearts and minds of those affected are
concerned.
Attacks on churches and other institutions because of the Al Qaeda issue could
well have been avoided if instant action and a positive response was made by
those in authority.
We would still like to condemn all those who deliberately embark on acts of
violence and applaud those who undertook the peaceful march and fully observed
the instructions of the Police. The right to demonstrate peacefully is
guaranteed as well as the protection by police of those who march.
We also appreciate what the president has said in condemning those who attacked
various institutions but ask that a more substantive and regular brief be made
to avert any more violence and destruction.

   

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