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United Democratic Front (UDF) ‘legitimate’ national chairman, Dr George Nga Ntafu and some MPs held a mass rally on Sunday at Masintha ground in the capital Lilongwe where they took turns to criticise the Bingu wa Mutharika government on economic management issues, governance and respect for human rights.

Ntafu who was elected leader of the party in a controversial circumstance that led to the split of UDF into two camps, accused President Mutharika of being ‘dictatorial’ by banning demonstrations and infringing academic freedom of university lecturers.

He said Mutharika should allow citizens to protest freely and express their feelings towards the crippling fuel shortages, saying it was their democratic right to hold peaceful demonstration.

Ntafu also wondered why the President and his ministers were contradicting on reasons for the fuel shortage.

Finance Minister Ken Kandodo has been believed by many when he told parliament that the shortage is as a result of forex shortage to pay suppliers. But Mutharika claimed it was due to congestion at Beira port in Mozambique.

“Why are our friends in Zambia not complaining of congestion in the ports? Do they jump the cue? Leaders need to tell us the truth,” Ntafu said.

Speaking at the same meeting, UDF leader in parliament Ibrahim Matola claimed the current fuel shortage is due to the K23 billion debt government owes to Petroda company.

“That there is congestion at Beira port is not true. Petroda being the major fuel importer is owed K23 billion, that is why they are failing to import fuel,” said Matola.

Taking to the podium, Atupele Muluzi, son of former president Bakili Muluzi, bemoaned that Malawians were now facing more economic hardships.

Atupele who is UDF deputy leader in parliament said the cost of living has sky-rocketed in the country due to a rise in the price of basic commodities and fuel.

The observation was based on Catholic’s Center for Social Concern assessment for the month of January, which shows cost of living in the capital Lilongwe is now at K51, 336.00 from K50, 298.00, in Blantyre it is at K52, 080.00 a rise from K48, 696.00.

In Mzuzu the cost of living has risen from K41, 708.00 in December to K42, 312.00 while in Zomba it is now at K42, 608.00 from K41, 694.00.

Atupele said despite the rising costs of living, Malawians were still earning low incomes and urged government to address the matter.

He also expressed sadness at high unemployment levels in the country, especially among the youths.—(Reporting by Mwai Phiri and Charles Kufa, Nyasa Times)