Allan Ngumuya Calls on President Chakwera to Address Concerns of Malawian Youth

 

Allan Ngumuya (musician)

Renowned musician and politician, Allan Ngumuya, has issued a strong call to President Lazarus Chakwera, urging him to respond to the concerns raised by artist Patience Namadingo during a recent engagement at the State House.

Ngumuya voiced his concerns over the President’s failure to address the issues affecting Malawian youths, emphasizing that Namadingo spoke not only for himself but on behalf of the country’s young people, who are eager for real answers. He stressed that these questions go beyond party politics and require immediate attention from the President.

The musician also referenced comedian Yankho Seunda, who raised similar issues, which remain unaddressed. Ngumuya warned that if the President continues to disregard these voices, both he and his party could face significant political consequences. He reminded Chakwera that today's youth are different from those of the past and cannot be easily manipulated.

Ngumuya criticized the government's approach over the past four years, which he described as more focused on “shows” rather than meaningful dialogues with the youth. He questioned why it took so long for the President to engage with young people and share his plans for their future. Ngumuya likened this situation to a dinner party where the youth are invited only after the older generation has had their fill.

He also raised concerns about the K200,000 given to each participant at the youth engagement event, questioning whether this money was intended for travel expenses or was simply an attempt at bribery. Ngumuya speculated that the government could end up spending nearly K100 million on these engagements, which he deemed irresponsible given the current economic hardship in Malawi.

He highlighted the struggles faced by young people in the country, including extreme poverty, hunger, and rising suicide rates. Ngumuya also criticized the government's use of youth groups to intimidate and attack political opponents, referencing violent incidents at Parliament involving youth from the ruling party's youth wings.

The musician listed several urgent national issues that require attention, including the rising cost of maize and other essential commodities, fuel shortages, a lack of medicines in hospitals, increasing unemployment, and the high cost of education. He also expressed concern over the continuing forex shortages and the unsustainable cost of fertilizers for smallholder farmers.

Ngumuya warned that if these issues are not addressed, the electorate will reject Chakwera and all past ruling parties in the next election. He urged young people not to be swayed by empty promises from parties that have failed to deliver on their previous commitments to development.

In his closing remarks, Ngumuya endorsed Dalitso Kabambe as the best candidate to lead Malawi, praising Kabambe for his experience and education in government administration. He encouraged young people to do their research and make informed decisions in the upcoming elections.

Ngumuya concluded by praising Namadingo for his bold stand in representing the concerns of Malawian youth, signaling a growing frustration among the population who are demanding genuine solutions to the country’s challenges.