Malawi’s Catholic Bishops have identified corruption, high living costs, ethnic divisions, and reliance on handouts as major obstacles to progress. They emphasize the need for national reform to foster resurrection and unity, while cautioning against blind political allegiance among the youth ahead of the elections.
In Malawi, the Catholic Bishops have identified corruption and the high cost of living as significant barriers to the nation’s progress, likening them to “largest and perennial stones” hindering its prosperity. Their statement emphasizes that these challenges, along with handout dependency and exclusion based on region, tribe, and political affiliation, must be addressed to promote national revival.
The Bishops criticize the widespread corruption, particularly among politicians and civil servants, stating, “Corruption has spread to all aspects of our society.” They point out the disparity between wealthy politicians who accumulate assets rapidly and civil servants struggling with basic living conditions, questioning, “How else do these political leaders amass such huge wealth overnight?”
Addressing economic issues, the Bishops lament the rising cost of essentials, saying it has become a persistent struggle for vendors and boarding schools, describing the situation as a “household song” across Malawi. They note the detrimental effect on local businesses due to unaffordable prices for consumers.
The Bishops express concern regarding tribalism and ethnic division, warning it threatens national cohesion and even the unity of the Church. They urge, “We must address this evil practice decisively and urgently,” asserting that failing to overcome these divisions undermines their calls for unity and adherence to Christian teachings.
As Malawi prepares for upcoming elections, the Bishops caution the youth against blind political loyalty. They observe that many are willing to engage in violence for ineffective leaders, criticizing politicians who exploit youth with minimal incentives, stating, “Even political leaders and political parties that have achieved nothing… are still loudly and proudly praised.”
Furthermore, the Catholic Bishops condemn the culture of handout dependency, reflecting on their own role in fostering this mentality. They recognize that while relief efforts provide immediate assistance, they can inadvertently create a cycle of dependency among recipients, which could harm their future prospects.
Malawi’s Catholic Bishops have highlighted corruption, high living costs, ethnic divisions, and dependence on handouts as critical issues impeding national progress. Addressing these barriers is essential for the nation’s revival. Their call for unity and caution against blind political loyalty aims to encourage accountability and foster a more resilient society. The need for systemic change and awareness among all citizens, particularly the youth, remains a pressing concern as the country approaches elections.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
