Freedom of speech at the University

The next morning we woke up after a great sleep and took a drive around Zomba.  Compared to other towns in Malawi, there is much more of a colonial influence in terms of the buildings etc.  While in Zomba we drove up to the University to see Chancellor College, the main academic centre of the national university. 

There is a huge dispute going on right now as Chancellor College lectures are demanding that the Inspector General of Police, Peter Mukhito,  makes an unconditional apology to associate professor Blessings Chinsinga, “for the trauma and suffering”  he caused him and his family through police interrogation.

Mukhito summoned Chinsinga over a lecture the professor gave which drew parallels between Malawi’s current fuel crisis and the uprisings that toppled governments in Tunisia and Egypt.

The lecturers had not been teaching since February protesting “interference in their academic freedom.” but just last week, some returned to their work.  On a later visit to Zomba and the University, we ran into the acting president of the union and some of her colleagues who were having a morning meeting. They were very happy to talk to us and have their pictures taken.  This was a real chance in a lifetime opportunity and a real privilege to meet these people fighting for their freedom of speech.