China continues to grow its presence in Africa, having just roped in the small southern African country of Malawi as another one of many trading partners on the continent. But some Malawians have adopted a cautious attitude towards their government’s new ally.
A local non-governmental organisation (NGO) is keeping an eye on the developing bilateral relationship, citing concerns about China’s importation of its own labour and the dumping of cheap goods in other African states.
The National Statistical Office (NSO) in Malawi reports that trade between the latter and China has increased by a record 4,894 percent over the past three years.
China’s relations with Malawi picked up noticeably when the two countries established diplomatic relations in December last year, a move which coincided with the southern African country severing its 41-year-old political ties with Taiwan.
Evidence shows that Chinese investment in some countries does not promote the interest of poor nationals, according to Mavuto Bamusi, the network coordinator of the Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC), which promotes human rights, including economic rights, in Malawi.
‘‘We know that the Chinese usually bring in their own workers when they invest in poor countries and that they have been accused of dumping cheap goods on such countries’ markets. Civil society will be quick to raise an alarm if such malpractices happen here,’’ Bamusi told IPS.
He said the Chinese should not bring unskilled labour to Malawi but rather create employment for locals if their initiative is to be seen as an ‘‘honest investment’’.
Civil society in Malawi also frowns upon Chinese aid as lacking democratic tenets. NGOs say the terms of Chinese aid contradict the Paris Declaration, an international agreement adopted by more than 100 parties, including governments, in 2005 with the improvement of aid effectiveness as its aim.
The declaration emphasises transparency and accountability in the use of development resources.
The HRCC worries that Chinese aid and investment as agreed with Malawi do not include any component on the rule of law. ‘‘China is giving us an incomplete package with no guarantee of accountability,’’ said Bamusi.
Malawi and China signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) this month (May 12) with a view to advancing bilateral trade relations between the two countries. Malawi hopes to boost trade in its agricultural products, especially tobacco, tea, cotton and sugar -- the backbone of the country’s economy.
China has also committed itself to investing in Malawi’s tourism, banking and insurance sectors, as well as in mining and fertilizer and cement production.
The MOU signed by Malawi and China comes hot on the heels of a visit to China by Malawi’s President Bingu wa Mutharika in March to woo investors. The Asian economic giant pledged 286 million dollars in grants, aid and soft loans to Malawi during Mutharika’s visit.
Beijing also promised to assist Malawi with human resource development. The two countries signed trade, economic and cultural exchange agreements. ‘‘I hope the private sector in Malawi will take advantage of my trip to forge further partnerships with our Chinese counterparts,’’ Mutharika told press upon his return from China.
The recent signing of the MOU happened during a visit by 43 Chinese businesspeople, led by Deputy Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng. He described his delegation as ‘‘high-powered’’.
The Chinese struck several trade and investment deals with local entrepreneurs in the agricultural, banking and insurance sectors, among others.
Malawi’s Minister of Trade Henry Mussa is hoping that the country’s agricultural products will find new markets in China as the country’s exports benefit from preferential tariffs following the MOU.
Recently Malawi’s tobacco industry, for example, has been in disorder following wildly fluctuating prices. Protesting farmers forced frequent suspensions of the auction floors’ business. ‘‘We would like our Chinese counterparts to start manufacturing cigarettes right here in the country,’’ said Mussa.
The country generates up to 70 percent of its foreign exchange earnings from agriculture, with the tobacco industry contributing 15 percent towards Malawi’s gross domestic product. Tobacco and related industries provide livelihoods to about two million of the country's 13 million people.
Malawi offers a conducive business environment and a favourable economic landscape for investment, according to a briefing that Suzanna Mjuweni, investment promotion manager of the Malawi Investment Promotion Agency (MIPA), made to the Chinese delegation.
‘‘Malawi already boasts attractive trade and investment policies,’’ said Mjuweni. She mentioned the accessibility of plentiful and cheap human capital as a guarantee of an encouraging business environment.
Mjuweni also named Malawi’s access to regional markets like the Southern African Development Community and the Common Market for East and Southern Africa as some of the factors that position the country as a conducive investment destination.
Monday, 26 May 2008
Malawi throw it all at Djibouti
Malawi will be at full strength when they go up against Djibouti in their opening 2010 FIFA World Cup™ qualifier in Blantyre on Saturday and are likely to chase a goal feast to give themselves the perfect start to their bid to qualify for the finals in South Africa.
The return to action of giant striker Russel Mwafulirwa, who suffered a heart scare playing in the African Confederations Cup for his South African side Ajax Cape Town earlier this month, and the return home of Russian-based striker Esau Kanyenda has given Malawian fans hopes of a devastating home win ahead of more testing qualifiers against Egypt and DR Congo in June.
The pair are among 15 foreign-based players in a 28-man squad which coach Kinnah Phiri is using for the match. Phiri returned to the helm of the Flames' line-up last week after replacing the Englishman Steven Constantine, who resigned last month.
Phiri took his side for a warm-up in Dar-es-Salaam with a 1-1 friendly result against hosts Tanzania.
The Malawi squad also marks a return for influential midfielders Joseph Kamwendo and Fisher Kondowe, who had both run foul of the previous coach's disciplinary rules over the last year.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Vales Kamzere (Wanderers), Dave Mphaya (ESCOM), Swadick Sanudi (Dynamos, South Africa)
Defenders: Godfrey Banda (Silver Stars), Moses Chavula (Wanderers), Elvis Kafoteka (ESCOM United), Clement Kafwafwa (Lolland Falstar Alliance, Denmark), Allan Kamanga (Dynamos, South Africa), Peter Mponda (Black Leopards, South Africa), Wisdom Ndlovu (Young Africans, Tanzania), Jacob Ngwira (ESCOM United), James Sangala (Thanda Royal Zulu, South Africa)
Midfielders: Dave Banda (Red Lions), Tawonga Chimodzi (Santos, South Africa), Dan Chitsulo (RW Ahlen, Germany), Joseph Kamwendo (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Fischer Kondowe (Black Leopards, South Africa), Peter Mgangira (Silver Strikers), Noel Mkandawire (ESCOM United), Hellings Mwakasungula (Moroka Swallows, South Africa), Robert Ng'ambi (Black Leopards, South Africa)
Strikers: Esau Kanyenda (KamAZ, Russia), Malumbo Mkandawire (Red Lions), Chiukepo Msowoya (ESCOM United), Russel Mwafulirwa (Ajax Cape Town, South Africa), Atusaye Nyondo (Silver Strikers), Jimmy Zakazaka (Bay United, South Africa)
The return to action of giant striker Russel Mwafulirwa, who suffered a heart scare playing in the African Confederations Cup for his South African side Ajax Cape Town earlier this month, and the return home of Russian-based striker Esau Kanyenda has given Malawian fans hopes of a devastating home win ahead of more testing qualifiers against Egypt and DR Congo in June.
The pair are among 15 foreign-based players in a 28-man squad which coach Kinnah Phiri is using for the match. Phiri returned to the helm of the Flames' line-up last week after replacing the Englishman Steven Constantine, who resigned last month.
Phiri took his side for a warm-up in Dar-es-Salaam with a 1-1 friendly result against hosts Tanzania.
The Malawi squad also marks a return for influential midfielders Joseph Kamwendo and Fisher Kondowe, who had both run foul of the previous coach's disciplinary rules over the last year.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Vales Kamzere (Wanderers), Dave Mphaya (ESCOM), Swadick Sanudi (Dynamos, South Africa)
Defenders: Godfrey Banda (Silver Stars), Moses Chavula (Wanderers), Elvis Kafoteka (ESCOM United), Clement Kafwafwa (Lolland Falstar Alliance, Denmark), Allan Kamanga (Dynamos, South Africa), Peter Mponda (Black Leopards, South Africa), Wisdom Ndlovu (Young Africans, Tanzania), Jacob Ngwira (ESCOM United), James Sangala (Thanda Royal Zulu, South Africa)
Midfielders: Dave Banda (Red Lions), Tawonga Chimodzi (Santos, South Africa), Dan Chitsulo (RW Ahlen, Germany), Joseph Kamwendo (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Fischer Kondowe (Black Leopards, South Africa), Peter Mgangira (Silver Strikers), Noel Mkandawire (ESCOM United), Hellings Mwakasungula (Moroka Swallows, South Africa), Robert Ng'ambi (Black Leopards, South Africa)
Strikers: Esau Kanyenda (KamAZ, Russia), Malumbo Mkandawire (Red Lions), Chiukepo Msowoya (ESCOM United), Russel Mwafulirwa (Ajax Cape Town, South Africa), Atusaye Nyondo (Silver Strikers), Jimmy Zakazaka (Bay United, South Africa)
Immigrant attacks slow in South Africa; Cabinet minister says situation 'under control'
Anti-immigrant attacks in South Africa have slowed, police said Monday, though destitute foreigners continued to journey home to neighboring countries.
"The violence has subsided," Safety and Security Minister Charles Ngakula told reporters. "The situation is under control."
Police reported isolated incidents of looting and shacks being set ablaze during the weekend.
Five Mozambican men were assaulted by a group of South Africans on Sunday in Durban, an eastern port city, police spokeswoman Phindile Radebe said.
Another Mozambican man was shot in the hand north of Durban Saturday as he drove his family toward Mozambique, police said. It was unclear if that was related to the wave of xenophobic attacks that have gripped South Africa for more than two weeks.
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Ngakula said 56 people have been killed and 30,000 forced from their homes, including 25,000 in the country's wealthiest province of Gauteng, which has been hardest hit by violence. The death toll rose from 50 on Sunday, possibly to include injured people who died in the hospital.
Thousands of foreigners remain in makeshift camps after fleeing stick- and knife-wielding mobs of South Africans who accuse immigrants of taking jobs and blame them for crime.
The violence in Johannesburg has centered on squatter camps and notoriously bleak dormitories built during the apartheid era for single men who were allowed to work in the cities, but not to bring their families.
The attacks spread to Cape Town on Friday and more than 10,000 people spent the weekend in churches and community centers. City authorities also set up six special sites as dedicated camps for the displaced.
More than 1,300 people were being housed at a camping site near Cape Point, one of South Africa's most famous tourist attractions. Hundreds more, mainly Somalis, gathered outside the gates as disaster management teams inside erected giant tents and installed basic lavatories. A large contingent of armed police tried to quell tensions among the crowd.
Many blamed the South African government for doing too little too late.
Malim Hajim, a Somali, fled his brother's store when it was looted. Even though Somalia has no functioning government and is wracked by violence, Hajim said he hoped authorities would help him and his countrymen return home.
"I don't want to stay here anymore. It's finished," he said.
Mozambique and Malawi have given assistance to their nationals, including transport back home.
The first bus containing 120 Malawian evacuees arrived in Malawi Sunday night, and another was expected Monday, the government said. Mozambique reported more than 16,000 of its citizens had returned from South Africa by Saturday.
President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe — whose country's political and economic crisis has chased as many as 3 million citizens across the border into South Africa — promised free land to Zimbabweans who chose to return home.
Meanwhile, regional Red Cross director Francoise le Goff said Zambia is making contingency plans to receive up to 25,000 Zimbabweans who may flee South Africa.
Intelligence Minister Ronnie Kasrils said that while the situation is under control, "that doesn't mean that there might not be some spontaneous eruptions somewhere in this huge country. But we are mobilized everywhere."
If attacks occur, Kasrils said the government will respond decisively to preserve law and order.
Also Monday, lawmakers visited some of the worst affected areas around Johannesburg.
"Whatever our political differences, what unites us all is our outright condemnation for what has been happening in recent past," said Andries Nel, deputy chief whip of the governing African National Congress.
The legislators also acknowledged that anger at the government for not doing enough to improve life for the poor may also have played a role in the attacks.
Mayor Duma Nkosi of Gauteng's Ekurhuleni municipality said criminals also were to blame for exploiting the situation.
Nkosi also said communities were concerned violence could erupt again if people forced out in the attacks were to return.
"The violence has subsided," Safety and Security Minister Charles Ngakula told reporters. "The situation is under control."
Police reported isolated incidents of looting and shacks being set ablaze during the weekend.
Five Mozambican men were assaulted by a group of South Africans on Sunday in Durban, an eastern port city, police spokeswoman Phindile Radebe said.
Another Mozambican man was shot in the hand north of Durban Saturday as he drove his family toward Mozambique, police said. It was unclear if that was related to the wave of xenophobic attacks that have gripped South Africa for more than two weeks.
Today in Africa & Middle East
Lebanon elects president to ease divide
Nigerian militants claim to have destroyed oil pipeline
Amid calm, 2 sides in Iraq call each other weak
Ngakula said 56 people have been killed and 30,000 forced from their homes, including 25,000 in the country's wealthiest province of Gauteng, which has been hardest hit by violence. The death toll rose from 50 on Sunday, possibly to include injured people who died in the hospital.
Thousands of foreigners remain in makeshift camps after fleeing stick- and knife-wielding mobs of South Africans who accuse immigrants of taking jobs and blame them for crime.
The violence in Johannesburg has centered on squatter camps and notoriously bleak dormitories built during the apartheid era for single men who were allowed to work in the cities, but not to bring their families.
The attacks spread to Cape Town on Friday and more than 10,000 people spent the weekend in churches and community centers. City authorities also set up six special sites as dedicated camps for the displaced.
More than 1,300 people were being housed at a camping site near Cape Point, one of South Africa's most famous tourist attractions. Hundreds more, mainly Somalis, gathered outside the gates as disaster management teams inside erected giant tents and installed basic lavatories. A large contingent of armed police tried to quell tensions among the crowd.
Many blamed the South African government for doing too little too late.
Malim Hajim, a Somali, fled his brother's store when it was looted. Even though Somalia has no functioning government and is wracked by violence, Hajim said he hoped authorities would help him and his countrymen return home.
"I don't want to stay here anymore. It's finished," he said.
Mozambique and Malawi have given assistance to their nationals, including transport back home.
The first bus containing 120 Malawian evacuees arrived in Malawi Sunday night, and another was expected Monday, the government said. Mozambique reported more than 16,000 of its citizens had returned from South Africa by Saturday.
President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe — whose country's political and economic crisis has chased as many as 3 million citizens across the border into South Africa — promised free land to Zimbabweans who chose to return home.
Meanwhile, regional Red Cross director Francoise le Goff said Zambia is making contingency plans to receive up to 25,000 Zimbabweans who may flee South Africa.
Intelligence Minister Ronnie Kasrils said that while the situation is under control, "that doesn't mean that there might not be some spontaneous eruptions somewhere in this huge country. But we are mobilized everywhere."
If attacks occur, Kasrils said the government will respond decisively to preserve law and order.
Also Monday, lawmakers visited some of the worst affected areas around Johannesburg.
"Whatever our political differences, what unites us all is our outright condemnation for what has been happening in recent past," said Andries Nel, deputy chief whip of the governing African National Congress.
The legislators also acknowledged that anger at the government for not doing enough to improve life for the poor may also have played a role in the attacks.
Mayor Duma Nkosi of Gauteng's Ekurhuleni municipality said criminals also were to blame for exploiting the situation.
Nkosi also said communities were concerned violence could erupt again if people forced out in the attacks were to return.
Tanzania/Malawi: Stars Hold Malawi As Qualifier Draws Closer
Taifa Stars yesterday salvaged a 1-1 draw with visiting Malawi in the final trial match ahead of the 2010 African Nations and World Cup qualifier against Mauritius set for May 31 at the New National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Stars started yesterday's match at a cracking pace with six goal attempts in the opening 20 minutes.
Strikers Athumani Idd, Mrisho Ngasa and Henry Joseph missed chances in the 13th, 15th and 20th minutes respectively.
Any of these potential goals could have easily stunned the visitors, and allow Stars to set the pace.
The visitors improved their performance as the game gained tempo, forcing an abortive corner taken by Noel Mkandawire after 31 minutes.
Hellings Mwakasungura header sailed over the cross bar.
The two ended the first half horns locked at 0-0.
But 10 minutes into second half, Malawi shocked Stars with an Essau Kanyenda opener.
Jimmy Zakazaka gave a brilliant in swing floating cross that Kanyenda converted into the nets, breathing new life into the match.
However, Stars continued tormenting Malawi with brilliant attempts by Godfrey Bonny and Nizar Khalfan.
Coach Marcio Maximo replaced Emmanuel Gabriel with Daniel Mrwanda, whose impact was instantly felt on the field. Malawi's Chiukepo Sowoya released a blockbuster after 64 minutes that beat Stars goalie Mapunda only to be saved by woodwork.
Ten minutes before time, centre back Salum Swedi scored the all-important equaliser after releasing a power-packed shot that left Malawian custodian Valence Kamzere flat-footed.
Towards the end of the match, Swedi attempted to capitalise on a goalmouth melee that left Malawi defenders in a disarray.
Stars mounted pressure on the visitors' goal as Khalfan's shot hit the cross bar before bouncing back into play five minutes to regulation time.
Valence Kamzere, James Sangara, Jacob Ngwila, Wisdom Ndlovu/Leski Tamtam, Ivis Kafoteka, Hellings Mwakasungura, Tawonga Chimodzi/Chiukepo Sowoya, Noel Mkandawire, Moses Chavula, Essau Kanyenda, Jimmy Zakazaka.
Tanzania:
Ivo Mapunda, Fred Mbuna, Amir Maftah, Nadir Haroub, Salum Swedi, Geofrey Bonny, Henry Joseph, Athuman Idd/Kigi Makasi, Emmanuel Gabriel/Daniel Mrwanda, Mrisho Ngasa, Nizar Khalfan.
Stars started yesterday's match at a cracking pace with six goal attempts in the opening 20 minutes.
Strikers Athumani Idd, Mrisho Ngasa and Henry Joseph missed chances in the 13th, 15th and 20th minutes respectively.
Any of these potential goals could have easily stunned the visitors, and allow Stars to set the pace.
The visitors improved their performance as the game gained tempo, forcing an abortive corner taken by Noel Mkandawire after 31 minutes.
Hellings Mwakasungura header sailed over the cross bar.
The two ended the first half horns locked at 0-0.
But 10 minutes into second half, Malawi shocked Stars with an Essau Kanyenda opener.
Jimmy Zakazaka gave a brilliant in swing floating cross that Kanyenda converted into the nets, breathing new life into the match.
However, Stars continued tormenting Malawi with brilliant attempts by Godfrey Bonny and Nizar Khalfan.
Coach Marcio Maximo replaced Emmanuel Gabriel with Daniel Mrwanda, whose impact was instantly felt on the field. Malawi's Chiukepo Sowoya released a blockbuster after 64 minutes that beat Stars goalie Mapunda only to be saved by woodwork.
Ten minutes before time, centre back Salum Swedi scored the all-important equaliser after releasing a power-packed shot that left Malawian custodian Valence Kamzere flat-footed.
Towards the end of the match, Swedi attempted to capitalise on a goalmouth melee that left Malawi defenders in a disarray.
Stars mounted pressure on the visitors' goal as Khalfan's shot hit the cross bar before bouncing back into play five minutes to regulation time.
Valence Kamzere, James Sangara, Jacob Ngwila, Wisdom Ndlovu/Leski Tamtam, Ivis Kafoteka, Hellings Mwakasungura, Tawonga Chimodzi/Chiukepo Sowoya, Noel Mkandawire, Moses Chavula, Essau Kanyenda, Jimmy Zakazaka.
Tanzania:
Ivo Mapunda, Fred Mbuna, Amir Maftah, Nadir Haroub, Salum Swedi, Geofrey Bonny, Henry Joseph, Athuman Idd/Kigi Makasi, Emmanuel Gabriel/Daniel Mrwanda, Mrisho Ngasa, Nizar Khalfan.
Ex-Malawi leader questioned in alleged coup plot
Police in Malawi have begun interrogating former president Bakili Muluzi in connection with an alleged plot to topple the government, its home affairs minister said on Monday.
Muluzi, the opposition United Democratic Front's candidate in the 2009 presidential election, was arrested at the main airport in the capital Lilongwe on Sunday after returning from a trip to Britain.
"Muluzi is being interrogated by police as we speak. He has been put under house arrest. His house has been searched, but I can't disclose what we have found to the public," Home Affairs Minister Ernest Malenga told Reuters.
A defence lawyer confirmed the raid on the Malawian politician's home in Blantyre and said Muluzi was confined to the premises.
"They have searched the house and found nothing, and we are still waiting for them to charge formally," defence lawyer Fahad Assani said.
Five members of Muluzi's UDF and three army generals were arrested last week on suspicion of being part of a plot to oust President Bingu wa Mutharika and put Muluzi into power. They have been released on bail.
An arrest warrant was issued at the time for Mules.
The UDF said that at least 10 of its supporters had been arrested and several injured in Lilongwe for protesting against Mucus's arrest. He had been scheduled to address a public rally there on Sunday.
Mules remains popular in the impoverished southern African nation for ending the rule of longtime strongman Hastings Kamas Banda in 1994 and paving the way for democracy. He held power until 2004 when he was replaced by way Maharaja.
The two, however, have fallen out over the president's anti-corruption drive, which has targeted some UDF members, including Mules. Way Maharaja quit the UDF to form the Democratic Progressive Party.
Mules was briefly investigated for corruption in 2006.
Muluzi, the opposition United Democratic Front's candidate in the 2009 presidential election, was arrested at the main airport in the capital Lilongwe on Sunday after returning from a trip to Britain.
"Muluzi is being interrogated by police as we speak. He has been put under house arrest. His house has been searched, but I can't disclose what we have found to the public," Home Affairs Minister Ernest Malenga told Reuters.
A defence lawyer confirmed the raid on the Malawian politician's home in Blantyre and said Muluzi was confined to the premises.
"They have searched the house and found nothing, and we are still waiting for them to charge formally," defence lawyer Fahad Assani said.
Five members of Muluzi's UDF and three army generals were arrested last week on suspicion of being part of a plot to oust President Bingu wa Mutharika and put Muluzi into power. They have been released on bail.
An arrest warrant was issued at the time for Mules.
The UDF said that at least 10 of its supporters had been arrested and several injured in Lilongwe for protesting against Mucus's arrest. He had been scheduled to address a public rally there on Sunday.
Mules remains popular in the impoverished southern African nation for ending the rule of longtime strongman Hastings Kamas Banda in 1994 and paving the way for democracy. He held power until 2004 when he was replaced by way Maharaja.
The two, however, have fallen out over the president's anti-corruption drive, which has targeted some UDF members, including Mules. Way Maharaja quit the UDF to form the Democratic Progressive Party.
Mules was briefly investigated for corruption in 2006.
Police to quiz former Malawi president over 'coup plot' : minister
Police in Malawi will on Monday quiz former president Bakili Muluzi over a coup plot allegedly hatched by his party and a former army general, said Home Affairs Minister Ernest Malenga.
"He (Muluzi) will be questioned by police over the coup plot," Malenga told AFP.
Fahad Assani, lawyer for Muluzi, said the ex-leader was "arrested on treason charges."
Muluzi will be questioned at his residence in Limbe, a satellite town of the commercial capital Blantyre, where early Monday morning a dozen armed policemen cordoned off the road leading to the house.
An AFP correspondent saw about a dozen armed policemen manning a roadblock leading to the house, as police chased away pedestrians who approached.
Muluzi, who is virtually under house arrest, was arrested on Sunday at the country's main airport in Lilongwe as he arrived home from a holiday in Britain.
After alighting from an Air Malawi flight, Muluzi told a radio station he owns that he spent time arguing with police on why he was being arrested on the tarmac of an airport.
He was flown in a military plane to Blantyre where police raided his residence to "search for arms," Muluzi told Joy radio.
"I allowed them to search everywhere, but they found nothing," he added.
The former president, who wrested power from dictator Kamuzu Banda in the country's first democratic elections, has been linked to a coup plot which was allegedly being hatched by his party and former army general and serving brigadiers.
Muluzi has said he is not a "violent person to take over government by force."
The ex-leader ruled the impoverished nation from 1994 to 2004 before handing over power to his chosen successor Bingu wa Mutharika.
Mutharika, who has been at loggerheads with the ex-leader since he ditched Muluzi's former ruling party to form his own, has recently voiced fears of a plot to topple him.
Mutharika said two weeks ago that he had received intelligence that Muluzi, his chief opponent in elections next year, was "planning to remove me through Section 65".
"That is treason... even in Britain or America, a person who tries to overthrow government faces punishment," Mutharika added.
The president was referring to a controversial constitutional clause which has sparked heated debate in the southern African nation as it allows the speaker of parliament to sack lawmakers who have crossed the floor.
Mutharika's minority government poached most of its MPs from the opposition and his rivals are now trying to pressure the speaker to sack the lawmakers and thus force the president out of office.
Eight people, including a former army general and police chief, and two serving brigadiers, were last week granted bail after being charged with treason.
"He (Muluzi) will be questioned by police over the coup plot," Malenga told AFP.
Fahad Assani, lawyer for Muluzi, said the ex-leader was "arrested on treason charges."
Muluzi will be questioned at his residence in Limbe, a satellite town of the commercial capital Blantyre, where early Monday morning a dozen armed policemen cordoned off the road leading to the house.
An AFP correspondent saw about a dozen armed policemen manning a roadblock leading to the house, as police chased away pedestrians who approached.
Muluzi, who is virtually under house arrest, was arrested on Sunday at the country's main airport in Lilongwe as he arrived home from a holiday in Britain.
After alighting from an Air Malawi flight, Muluzi told a radio station he owns that he spent time arguing with police on why he was being arrested on the tarmac of an airport.
He was flown in a military plane to Blantyre where police raided his residence to "search for arms," Muluzi told Joy radio.
"I allowed them to search everywhere, but they found nothing," he added.
The former president, who wrested power from dictator Kamuzu Banda in the country's first democratic elections, has been linked to a coup plot which was allegedly being hatched by his party and former army general and serving brigadiers.
Muluzi has said he is not a "violent person to take over government by force."
The ex-leader ruled the impoverished nation from 1994 to 2004 before handing over power to his chosen successor Bingu wa Mutharika.
Mutharika, who has been at loggerheads with the ex-leader since he ditched Muluzi's former ruling party to form his own, has recently voiced fears of a plot to topple him.
Mutharika said two weeks ago that he had received intelligence that Muluzi, his chief opponent in elections next year, was "planning to remove me through Section 65".
"That is treason... even in Britain or America, a person who tries to overthrow government faces punishment," Mutharika added.
The president was referring to a controversial constitutional clause which has sparked heated debate in the southern African nation as it allows the speaker of parliament to sack lawmakers who have crossed the floor.
Mutharika's minority government poached most of its MPs from the opposition and his rivals are now trying to pressure the speaker to sack the lawmakers and thus force the president out of office.
Eight people, including a former army general and police chief, and two serving brigadiers, were last week granted bail after being charged with treason.
Mota Engil signs MOU with Malawi government for port, power station contracts
LISBON (Thomson Financial) - Mota-Engil, SGPS said it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Malawian government to study public-private partnerships on the construction, maintenance and operation of a port and two power stations.
In a statement, Mota Engil said the projects to be studied are the rehabilitation of the Port of Nsanje in southern Malawi as part of the Shire-Zambezi Waterway project, and the development and operation of two hydroelectric power stations.
The MOU also mentions Martifer SGPS as a possible participant in any hydropower contract resulting from the studies.
The constructor noted that the MOU also expresses Mota Engil's interest in taking stakes in future concessions related to the mining industry in the country.
In a statement, Mota Engil said the projects to be studied are the rehabilitation of the Port of Nsanje in southern Malawi as part of the Shire-Zambezi Waterway project, and the development and operation of two hydroelectric power stations.
The MOU also mentions Martifer SGPS as a possible participant in any hydropower contract resulting from the studies.
The constructor noted that the MOU also expresses Mota Engil's interest in taking stakes in future concessions related to the mining industry in the country.
A decade of planting yields harvest in Malawi
Grace Ministries International is approaching a decade of planting and cultivating in Malawi, and now they're seeing the harvest. GMI's Sam Vinton says their partner has been establishing preaching points which would eventually become church plants.
Their work in the country began in 2000 when two Zambian Bible School graduates were sent as short-term missionaries. It became obvious that hearts were open, and people were ready for the Gospel.
In January 2005, Rev. and Mrs. Kennedy Simtowe, GMI missionaries to Zambia, moved to Malawi and helped establish a training center to expand the evangelistic outreach and church planting ministries.
The team began offering module programs for the leadership of the churches. Since then, several churches have been planted in Lilongwe, along with several elsewhere plus preaching points which will eventually become church plants.
However, "Since he had no pastors to place there, he began a program of training elders, regionally bringing them in for a week. In the last two years, he's up to about 75 preaching points where we actually have elders working in the churches, and he continues this training project of these elders. Many people have come to the Lord."
The discipleship circle between the preaching points has been expanding and demanding more resources. Vinton says that's their challenge. "Pray that these men and women will be trained, will be faithful to the Word, will be solid, so that these Christians will grow. Too many Christians are maybe knowledgeable about the basic issues, but they never go deep enough into the Scriptures."
Opposition Party Condemns Former Malawi President’s House Arrest
Police investigators in Malawi will be interrogating former President Bakali Muluzi today over allegations he plotted to overthrow President Bingu Wa Mutharika’s government. This comes after Muluzi was placed under house arrest Sunday shortly after returning from a trip to the United Kingdom. Muluzi, who is also the chairman and presidential candidate of the opposition United Democratic Front Party (UDF), denies any knowledge of plotting to overthrow the current administration.
The UDF has condemned the arrest of its presidential candidate as an attempt by the government to weaken the party ahead of next year’s general elections to ensure Mutharika’s victory. From the capital, Lilongwe, Muluzi’s attorney Fahad Assani tells reporter Peter Clottey that the former president’s arrest is a political gimmick.
“It is true that local time on Sunday about 20 minutes to four o’clock when he (Muluzi) landed at the Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, the police arrested him immediately as he landed at the steps from the aircraft. And he was flown in the army aircraft to Blantyre. I was with him the aircraft until we reached his residence and after the search at his residence and in the end they found nothing to link him to anything with treason at all,” Assani noted.
He said the former president has been placed under house arrest pending police investigation.
“So, they have actually kept him under house arrest because they have changed the guards at his residence and that on Monday (today) they would be asking him as to whether he has any information to link him to the so-called treason, which some people were arrested for last week,” he said.
Assani said the former president was taken aback with the arrest.
“He is very surprised about the charge because he has all the information as he was in London about the arrest and if he had anything to do with it he would not have ventured home. He could have lived over there, knowing that he would be comfortable and stayed with his family. But since he is convinced there is nothing on his path and that he has a role to play in terms of fighting for his party in next year’s general elections, he has to face the consequences,” Assani pointed out.
He accused the government is trying to frustrate the opposition ahead of the elections.
“Actually the whole world has to know whatever has happened is nothing criminal. It is all just a political gimmick because the president is really fearing the elections. And Dr. Bakili Muluzi is a formidable fighter in terms of elections and he has the support of the masses. And we who live in Malawi know that President Mutharika would lose the elections, so the best thing he can do is to disrupt all these processes, which would lead to elections on May 9th 2009,” he noted.
Assani said the police would interrogate the former president today over his alleged involvement in the assassination plot.
“We are expecting that the police today will be coming to question him and then from there, whatever information they get they must use it for the charges. But what we are looking at is this whole move by government is meant to ensure that Bakili Muluzi does not campaign and we would fight tooth and nail to ensure that this case is thrown out of court immediately as possible so he can continue to campaign for the UDF,” Assani said.
He described as nonsense speculation that the former president is not eligible to stand for another term after previously having served two consecutive terms in office.
“We have done very thorough research, and we have done a lot of consultation with other lawyers across the country and we have all come to the conclusion that Dr. Muluzi is eligible to stand in this election after a break of five years. And that was why even government, they know that this is the position. That is why they are now bringing this treason charge,” he pointed out.
The UDF has condemned the arrest of its presidential candidate as an attempt by the government to weaken the party ahead of next year’s general elections to ensure Mutharika’s victory. From the capital, Lilongwe, Muluzi’s attorney Fahad Assani tells reporter Peter Clottey that the former president’s arrest is a political gimmick.
“It is true that local time on Sunday about 20 minutes to four o’clock when he (Muluzi) landed at the Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, the police arrested him immediately as he landed at the steps from the aircraft. And he was flown in the army aircraft to Blantyre. I was with him the aircraft until we reached his residence and after the search at his residence and in the end they found nothing to link him to anything with treason at all,” Assani noted.
He said the former president has been placed under house arrest pending police investigation.
“So, they have actually kept him under house arrest because they have changed the guards at his residence and that on Monday (today) they would be asking him as to whether he has any information to link him to the so-called treason, which some people were arrested for last week,” he said.
Assani said the former president was taken aback with the arrest.
“He is very surprised about the charge because he has all the information as he was in London about the arrest and if he had anything to do with it he would not have ventured home. He could have lived over there, knowing that he would be comfortable and stayed with his family. But since he is convinced there is nothing on his path and that he has a role to play in terms of fighting for his party in next year’s general elections, he has to face the consequences,” Assani pointed out.
He accused the government is trying to frustrate the opposition ahead of the elections.
“Actually the whole world has to know whatever has happened is nothing criminal. It is all just a political gimmick because the president is really fearing the elections. And Dr. Bakili Muluzi is a formidable fighter in terms of elections and he has the support of the masses. And we who live in Malawi know that President Mutharika would lose the elections, so the best thing he can do is to disrupt all these processes, which would lead to elections on May 9th 2009,” he noted.
Assani said the police would interrogate the former president today over his alleged involvement in the assassination plot.
“We are expecting that the police today will be coming to question him and then from there, whatever information they get they must use it for the charges. But what we are looking at is this whole move by government is meant to ensure that Bakili Muluzi does not campaign and we would fight tooth and nail to ensure that this case is thrown out of court immediately as possible so he can continue to campaign for the UDF,” Assani said.
He described as nonsense speculation that the former president is not eligible to stand for another term after previously having served two consecutive terms in office.
“We have done very thorough research, and we have done a lot of consultation with other lawyers across the country and we have all come to the conclusion that Dr. Muluzi is eligible to stand in this election after a break of five years. And that was why even government, they know that this is the position. That is why they are now bringing this treason charge,” he pointed out.
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