Let’s end our differences—Peter Mutharika

Following months of political unrest, characterised by public protests and at times violence, President Peter Mutharika has come out to emphasise on the need to end the instability and rebuild the country.

This is a departure from his recent stance where he had adopted a confrontational approach, just like his opponents have been doing since the announcement of the May 21 Tripartite Elections.

Speaking in Lilongwe on his return from Russia-Africa summit in Russia, Mutharika said the country has turned into a laughing stock due to the instability, hence calling upon all groups to be united and end their differences.

“I am ready to work with anyone else, civil society organisations, the opposition. We should forget the past and work together to rebuild the country. Other African presidents are laughing at us, including the investors. We need to move forward,” he said.

Malawi has been experiencing post-election protests since Mutharika was declared winner of the May 21 Tripartite Elections by Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) Chairperson Justice Jane Ansah on May 27 2019.

Malawi Congress Party president Lazarus Chakwera and UTM leader Saulosi Chilima are currently challenging the presidential election results at the Constitution Court. On the other hand, civil society organisations, under the banner of Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), have been in the forefront facilitating protests, which have at times turned violent.

Mutharika added that the development is threatening potential investors in the economic sector.

He further said apart from the actual Russia- Africa Summit, Russia also hosted an economic forum attended by different investors, technocrats, through which Malawi can benefit from.

“We have set up a structure on a number of issues, so it will be upon Malawi and other individual countries to take advantage of this; it’s upon us to structure cases where we can benefit; for example mining technology. I met the largest energy company that deals with Uranium and also nuclear and hydro power. So it’s upon us to structure things in such a way that we can benefit,” he said

Mutharika left the country on Monday 21, 2019 for the two-day summit which 54 African countries attended.

The Summit focused on potential relations between Russia and the nations of Africa, with particular focus on political, economic, humanitarian, and cultural fields among others.