Democracy News

Standoff Between Malawi President and Vice President Sparks Violence
August 1, 2011
By: Carlos Aramayo | Printer Friendly

On July 19, Malawi’s Vice President Joyce Banda rejected demands for her resignation from her colleagues in the government and senior officials from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Presidential spokesman Heatherwick Ntaba said she should step down from her post, “We indeed are indicating that the most honorable thing for her to do is to move from her office as vice president, because she is busy vigorously attacking the government when she is part of that government,” Voice of America reported. In response, Banda maintained she would not step down until her term expired in 2014 and formed her own political group, the People's Party (PP), which has yet to be officially registered.

According to the Voice of America, frigid relations between Malawi’s President Bingu wa Mutharika and Banda are a result of a “succession battle” within the ruling party. Vice President Banda accused President Mutharika of wanting “his brother [Education Minister Peter Mutharika] to run [for president] and take over from him.” It is the second time Mutharika has broken relations with his vice president. In 2006, Mutharika sacked Vice President Cassim Chilumpha after accusing him of attacking the administration.  Chilumpha was later arrested on charges of treason after he was accused of conspiring to assassinate Mutharika and overthrow his administration.

In response, on July 20 and 21, government critics staged mass protests to express their anger at President Mutharika’s “marauding tyranny, bad economic policies and [poor] democratic governance.” The civil groups that organized the nationwide protests added that Malawi was facing a "series of catastrophes". In statement, the civil groups said the cost of living has been rising and the country is facing acute shortages of fuel, electricity and foreign currency. "There is cause to believe that the current shortages are the worst in all our 47 years [since independence]," the statement said. Furthermore, activists accused the government of turning into an "autocratic kleptocracy", Voice of America reported.

On July 21, BBC News reported that at least 18 people died and 44 people suffered gunshot wounds during clashes between protesters and security forces. President Mutharika issued the order to deploy the army in the capital city of Lilongwe, the country’s biggest city of Blantyre and Mzuzu in the north. Mutharika stated he was prepared to enter into dialogue with the opposition, but said that they should stop "sending boys" on the streets to cause chaos and vowed to "use any measure I can think of" to quell the demonstrations.

According to the New York Times, Undule Mwakasungure, chairman of Malawi's Human Rights Consultative Committee, and one of the organizers of the protests, said that President Mutharika's government has been passing laws that curtail democratic rights and stifle dissent and free speech, both of which have been contributing factors to opposition rage.

In response, the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed concern about the loss of life in Malawi. Both the United States (US) and the United Kingdom condemned the use of force by Mutharika's security forces.

Facing international condemnation for his government’s use of force against peaceful demonstrators, on July 23, the Associated Press reported that Mutharika defiantly blamed protest organizers and political opponents. Mutharika went on to threaten protestors stating: “This time I’ll go after you, if you go back to the streets, I will smoke you out. Enough is enough.” On July 25, BBC News reported that Malawi activists where in hiding after Mutharika’s threat.

On July 26, Voice of America reported that the US put a $350 million (USD) aid package to Malawi on hold. The Millennium Challenge Corporation, a US government agency that assists developing countries, stated that it would review its partnership with Malawi. In addition, the agency has expressed concern about the government's use of force and restrictions on media reporting on the demonstrations.

Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world, with an estimated 75 percent of the population living on less than $1 a day. In addition, six years of economic growth has been slowed by the global recession, causing fuel and foreign exchange shortages that have added to frustration and anger among Malawians.

Sources:
Voice of America – Malawi VP Dismisses Resignation Demands

Voice of America – Malawi Activist Blames Police For ‘Excessive’ Force

Voice of America – 18 Dead as Malawi Protests Continue Into Second Day

BBC News – Malawi army deployed over anti-Mutharika protests

Associated Press – Malawi: 14 dead, US and UK condemn violence

New York Times – Malawi President Blames Protesters for Violence

BBC News – Malawi activists 'in hiding after Mutharika threat'

Voice of America – US Agency Puts Aid to Malawi 'On Hold'