Business came to a standstill in Mzuzu city as concerned citizens led by Social Revolution Movement demonstrated against the social economic challenges facing the country.

Among other things the movement has petitioned government to trim down the number of cabinet ministers as well as reducing revenue on commodities.

Speaking to Yoneco online, leader of Social Revolution Movement, Phunziro Mvura, said its high time government starts addressing these challenges to improve the livelihood of the citizenry.

Mvura said: “We are saying Malawians are suffering because of exorbitant taxes, and it’s sad that the taxes are not being used to develop this country.

“The president is travelling everyday with an entourage abusing these taxes as well as having a large number of advisers and ministers.”

The movement has therefore called on government to start delivering its manifesto promises and further ensure that farmers have affordable farming inputs and subsidized fertilizer.

Receiving the petition at Mzuzu City Council, its Public Relations officer, Macdonald Gondwe, commended the movement for keeping peace during demonstrations.

“Let me commend the movement for exercising peace during this process, this is commendable as the constitution provides for peaceful demonstrations,” he said.

The demonstrations brought together concerned citizens from Mzuzu city as well as Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiative Executive Director, Silvester Namiwa.