Malawi: Mahatma Gandhi statue sparks controversy
What's the story
In the Southeastern African country, Malawi, over 3,000 people have signed a petition opposing a planned statue of Mahatma Gandhi in its commercial capital Blantyre, saying the Indian independence hero had done nothing for the Southern African country. "Mahatma Gandhi has never contributed anything to Malawi's struggle for independence and freedom," a statement from the "Gandhi Must Fall" group said.
Details
Gandhi was a racist: Petitioners
Work on the statue began two months ago along a road named after Gandhi. The Malawi Government says it is being erected as part of a deal that will see New Delhi construct a $10 million (€8.6 million) convention center in Blantyre. Petitioners claim that Gandhi, who early in his career practiced in South Africa and fought against apartheid-era segregation laws, was racist.
Petitioners' opinion
Petitioners said they aren't comfortable with imperialistic and neo-colonial ideologies
"We feel that the statue is being forced upon the people of Malawi and is the work of a foreign power aiming at promoting its image, dominion on the unsuspecting people of Malawi," said the group. A member of the group, Wonderful Mkutche said, "We are not comfortable with imperialistic and neo-colonial ideologies that seek to impose foreign influence which deprives us of honor."