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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 49241, member: 636"] Homeland Security Minister Ezekiel Ching'oma called out opposition parties for skipping Saturday's worship service. The minister runs the Independence Day planning committee and made his comments after the event ended. He told reporters that government officials had invited every political party to attend the special ceremony. Only one opposition leader showed up at the Bingu International Convention Centre. Kondwani Nankhumwa from the People's Development Party was the single opposition figure who came. President Lazarus Chakwera joined cabinet ministers and religious leaders at the worship event. The service kicked off Malawi's Independence Day celebrations across the country. Ching'oma asked reporters to find out why other opposition politicians stayed away from the national occasion. He stressed that organizers wanted everyone to participate regardless of their political views. The minister described the worship service as the first official Independence Day activity. Reverend Billy Gama led the interfaith service and pushed for national unity. The church leader chairs the Malawi Council of Churches and spoke about the country's problems. He urged politicians to stop fighting and work together through faith. Gama said God does not care about tribal backgrounds or social status. The reverend believes unity will bring real change to the nation. Sunday's main celebration happens at Bingu National Stadium with gates opening at dawn. Officials expect around 35,000 people to attend the Independence Day festivities. Botswana's President Duma Gideon Boko will serve as the special guest. The celebrations end with a soccer match between Malawi and Botswana teams. [/QUOTE]

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