US urges Malawi to unite after court case
Visiting United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Matthew Harrington, has urged Malawians to unite in the aftermath of the presidential elections case ruling on Monday.
Harrington was speaking at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe after having an audience with President Peter Mutharika Thursday.
Harrington, who is in the country on his four-nation tour of African countries to highlight the US-Africa partnership, said a stable environment is key to attracting investors.
“We have been following the situation since the elections with some interest, a lot of interest and some concern given that Malawi has a reputation as a strong democracy, vibrant democracy and we would appeal to the government and the opposition parties in the aftermath of the decision that is being handed out on Monday to respect that decision and to remain peaceful as the country looks to how to move forward beyond a difficult moment politically,” Harrington said.
Mutharika said Malawi is a peaceful country, adding that the political instability that Malawi is facing is temporary and will be sorted out very soon.
He hailed the cordial relations that exists between the US and Malawi.
Mutharika said the US has assisted Malawi in many areas, including energy and education.
“We would like to encourage more investors from the US in the area of energy. Currently, only 11 percent of the population has power but we are targeting 30 percent by 2030,” said Mutharika, adding that improved power could help unlock the country’s potential in other sectors, including mining.
Today, Harrington is expected to give a public talk at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Harrington, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, has served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State since September 4 2018.
