By Rose Cross Mahorya

Mzuzu, February 28, Mana: Stakeholders in Mzuzu City have hailed youths in the city for agreeing to say no to political violence.

The youths expressed their stand against political violence by conducting a joint Peace Building Parade from Mzuzu Court House to Katoto Secondary School ground.

Program Officer for Centre for Multiparty Democracy, Madalitso Magelegele, noted that for years the call for youths not to be used by political leaders has been falling on deaf ears.

“For so long we have spoken of youths being used as vehicles for violence.

“But their coming out openly to denounce political violence is a sign that they desire change and we believe that since it’s coming from themselves, it will make a difference,” he said.

Magelegele further noted that young people are the biggest perpetrators of online violence.

“Posting of fake news and propaganda is one of the biggest tools that has fueled violence amongst youth.

“Therefore, if they can embrace the message of peace and act on it, there will be peaceful coexistence,” noted Magelegele.

Speaking on behalf of fellow youths, Martin Makwakwa, noted that while political leaders have for long been using youths to exercise violence, very few youths benefit from the same leaders once put into power.

“The leaders use youths to incite violence leading to them being on the wrong side of the law.

“As youths, we refuse to be perpetrators of violence. We want peaceful campaign, peaceful elections and post elections,” he said.

Northern Region Community Policing Coordinator Alexander Ngwala acknowledged that youths are amongst the groups of people that are mostly involved and affected by political violence.

“As Police, we are glad that the youths themselves are saying no to political violence because in the past, stakeholders have been saying it but the youths themselves have been silent.

“We are ready to support their stand because any form of violence robs them of a bright future. Our structures are present in their respective communities and are ready to sing the gospel of peace alongside them,” noted Ngwala.

According to Mzuzu City Youth Officer, Misheck Msokwa, the parade conducted under the theme “Peaceful steps; Powerful Change” which was a brain child of different stakeholders including youths themselves, was aimed at magnifying voices of young people on their stance to stay away from violence before, during and after the September elections.