OWN CORRESPONDENT, Blantyre | Friday 3.30pm.
TRADERS in Malawi, worried at a wave of armed robberies and killings, have given the government of President Bakili Muluzi a month to improve security, failing which they will shut up shop.
The ultimatum was issued on Thursday at a meeting between predominantly Asian traders and senior police officers.
“We challenge the government to take substantial action against crime. We are giving the government one month,” said Chris Yianannakis, who chaired the meeting.
Malawi has seen an upsurge of armed robberies and murders in recent months — targeting mainly Asian businessmen and rich Africans.
The robbers are often armed with AK-47 assault rifles, which are readily and cheapily available in Malawi, a dumping ground for weapons since peace returned to neighbouring Mozambique after a 1992 agreement ending a 16-year civil war.
“We want to see the army, the police in our homes. If we don’t, we will shut down this country, we will close the economy, we will stop going to work,” Yiannakas added.
Some 4000 Asians living in Malawi virtually control the southern African country’s economy, especially the trading sector.
The Asians’ forebears settled here at the turn of the century after they were brought in to construct a railway line from Mozambique to Malawi.
Traders at the meeting, accusing government of reluctance to stop crime, demanded immediate action, with Yiannakis charging “we are all on death row”.
Malawi’s poorly manned and equipped police force, some 6000 strong, is undergoing reform sponsored by the British government. — AFP