number 7, december 11, 1998

E-NEWSPAPER OF THE 8TH ASSEMBLY OF
THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES - HARARE ZIMBABWE

Malawi president won't sign death penalty

The President of Malawi, Dr Bakili Muluzi, has sent a message of greetings to the WCC and, in a reference to human rights discussions at the assembly, stated that he will never sign the death sentence for a fellow human being.

Describing the council’s establishment 50 years ago as "a beautiful commitment to unity in a world so often divided", he says the assembly is a very important gathering in Africa, "which is so often torn by war, poverty and fear".

Noting that the experience of "Padare, a Shona term for ‘a place of encounter and dialogue’" would include debates on the 50th anniversary of the United Nation Declaration on Human Rights, President Muluzi says:

"Together with the many Malawians who will be present for this Assembly in Harare, are the members of the Alleluya Band with their songs of joy and participation in the development of our society. I would like to entrust a personal message to them as informal ambassadors of our country at this gathering.

"Malawi is a small country. Yet our 12 million people make a large family. Our nation often experiences poverty. Yet our people are rich in humanity. Our nation has only recently become a democracy and we are trying to learn to live together, as African brothers and sisters, sons and daughters of the one God.

"Among the many themes to be discussed at the Padare, will be the promotion of Human Rights and the sacredness of the right to life for every person. I have promised Amnesty International that I will never sign the Death Sentence for a fellow human being. I would like to reaffirm this commitment. Life is sacred, I believe a person can form, I believe that forgiveness makes all of us better persons.

"In the cause of truth and justice, I invite all Heads of State in Africa, our common home, to abolish the Death Sentence, to work for the removal of violence among our peoples and so to prepare a better future for our children.

"As a Moslem, I want to say to the believers in Jesus, to all the Christians gathered in Harare for this historic meeting: ‘May Allah, the All-Merciful, guide your discussions and give you the strength you will need to implement resolutions promoting a culture of peace.’

"Through the voices and songs of the Alleluya Band, may this message bring you joy."

The Alleluya Band from Malawi (performing in Beith Hall tomorrow, 2.30-4pm) started in 1978 as a youth band singing Gospel, when Gospel was the only music allowed by President Banda’s dictatorial regime.
With the advent of democracy in Malawi, their songs became more centred on the topics of the human rights, justice and peace and the needed political commitment for democracy.
They were the first band to play in Malawi prisons, from 1994 on, taking part of the prison reform movement.