Zomba City mayor Davie Maunde has stressed that a cordial relationship between the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) military personnel and civilians within the city is a catalyst for better socio economic development, peace, security and social stability.

He made the remarks in Zomba yesterday when he presided over Changalume Barrack’s third commemoration of their ‘Freedom of the City March’.

Maunde indicated that after president Bingu wa Mutharika granted Zomba Municipality city status on March 9 2008, Zomba City Council granted Changalume Barracks, popularly known as 9 Malawi Rifles (9 MR), freedom of the city on March 29 2017 to fortify the military-civilian relations.

Soldiers march through the streets of Zomba City

“This function is not a mere parade of our men and women in uniform, neither is it a mere get-together of teams from Zomba City Council and Changalume Barracks, rather, it is an event that demystifies the long-held perception of associating men in uniform with violence, anarchy and brutality,” he said.

In his remarks, MDF’s 93 Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier General Vincent Moyo pledged commitment in the intensification of co-existence between civilians and the soldiers.

“Through that, the city will be able to achieve various forms of socio-economic development,” he said.

In reaction Elias Banda a businessperson from Chinamwali Township and Memory Phiri from Chikanda Township within the city commended the collaboration of the civilians and the soldiers as integral to the installation of peace in the city.

“Regular visibility of soldiers within the city’s designated locations instils peace as perpetrators of violence are engulfed with fear of being apprehended and brought before the law,” said Banda.

Freedom of the city is an ancient honour granted to martial organisations allowing them to march in the city beating drums and flying military colours.

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