Alhomwe Tribe, one of the biggest tribes in the Southern Malawi have been told to be on guard against behavior that would incite negativity and possibly violence towards them. The Alhomwe have among their members the first citizen, President Bingu wa Mutharika and have launched their own cultural preservation association just weeks ago.

Speaking at a rally, a member of the opposition leadership, Mr. Gwanda Chakwamba of the New Republican Party (NRP) called on members of the public to keep the Alhomwe in check by dealing with them should they “behave pompously”, a statement that caused concerns as to what measures the public will use to keep this tribe in check. Fears of violence against the Alhomwe erupted after the rally but so far there has been no reported incident directly linked to the statements at the rally.

As the political scene in Malawi readies itself for the Elections next May it is important for our leaders both from the ruling party and the opposition to realize that inciting tribes to rise up against each other will neither make for a peaceful election nor a stable Malawi in the coming years.