September 21st, today, was the date scheduled for the next set of demonstrations against the government. The scheduled demonstrations for August were cancelled as the government got an injunction from the court against the demonstrations, civil society leaders said they wanted more time for 'dialogue' and a chance for the UN to mediate. Talks fell apart and once again civil society planned to stage a vigil on September 21st. The high court even ok'd the demonstrations to go ahead as planned.
Here is todays paper:
What feels like another massive cop-out to many Malawians by civil society; especially after the high court gave the go ahead. Instead, civil society leaders have urged Malawians to stay home for 3 days from work in a silent strike, and while at home, pray and reflect on the state of the country. What a whole hell of a lot of good that will do. Malawians have enough time to reflect on the state of their country while sitting in fuel queues.
The days of the planned demonstrations, you never quite know whats going to happen, and its all a little eerie. I went out this morning to pick up a few supplies and its like a ghost town. A few cars and a few scattered pedestrians. Over the day, if nothing is going on, some businesses will slowly start to open and traffic will pick up. We'll see what the rest of the day brings. However, I'm convinced it will be a whole lot of nothing. Its a shame after such a strong united stance was taken in July. What was the point of those 20 odd deaths if no one is willing to take another strong stance against the government?
And now we all sit and wait to see what October will bring ....
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