Malawian activists submit petition calling for end to English-only rule in parliament: Video
Activists have submitted a formal petition to the Malawi Parliament demanding changes to its standing orders to end the English-only rule and allow lawmakers to use local languages during parliamentary proceedings.
Footage from Lilongwe on Thursday, November 13 shows protesters carrying placards reading “Local languages for rich debate in the house” and “Indigenous languages for inclusivity” as they chanted near the Parliament building. The video also shows activists handing over the petition to parliamentarians.
“This petition represents our deep conviction that language is not merely a tool of communication, but a vessel of culture, memory and identity,” an activist said.
The petition was presented by the Lost History Foundation (LHF) and the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDED).
"After almost 61 years of independence, we need to be questioning why we should campaign in indigenous languages and we send those members, we claim they are our servants, they go into the house and begin transacting business in English,” said Sylvester Namiwa, Director of the CDED.
Another activist vowed that the protests would continue until Parliament met their demands.
Malawi, a former British colony that gained independence in 1964, currently requires all parliamentary business to be conducted exclusively in the English language.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
