The Alhomwe Tribe, one of the largest tribes in Southern Malawi has been warned against behaviors that would incite violence towards them from other Malawian tribes. The Alhomwe who list the first citizen, President Bingu wa Mutharika among members of their tribe, have launched a cultural preservation association named “Mulhako wa ALhomwe” just weeks ago.

In reaction to this launch, leader of one of the opposing parties, New Republican Party, Mr. Gwanda Chakuamba at a political rally was quoted as urging members of the public to keep the Alhomwe in check my “beating up” any member of the tribe who acted “pompously” due to the rise in status of the tribe. Fears erupted following the rally, especially among the Alhomwe as concerns as to the extent the public was to take in keeping them in check.

As Malawi’s next presidential election in May draws near, it is important for political leaders in Malawi both in the ruling and opposing parties to remember that inciting tribes to rise against each other will neither make for a peaceful election nor a stable Malawi.