Malawi govt, PAC kick off talks on ‘good note’

Malawi government and quasi-religious grouping, Public Affairs Committee (PAC), have assured of healthy discussions as they deliberate on many socio-economic ills facing the country after holding two technical teams held their first dialogue session on Monday 16th May 2016 in Blantyre.

The two sides have agreed to ensure a cordial and conducive atmosphere, to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, and with the interests of the people at heart, according to a communiqué that Nyasa Times has seen.

“The dialogue has started on a good note and there are all indications of successful deliberations,” reads the communique

The teams have also set the environment by agreeing on key principles to govern the dialogue process. These include mutual respect, openness, transparency with information and all matters, the need to approach the media with common positions, and handling of information with integrity and honesty.

During this first dialogue session, the teams have also agreed public will be kept informed of the outcomes from these meetings through jointly held press briefings or communiqués.

President Peter Mutharika appointed the five man strong negotiation team that includes Tembenu, Health minister Peter Kumpalume and advisors to the president Collins Magalasi, Mabvuto Bamusi and Hetherwick Ntaba.

PAC also constituted its technical team.

This is in line with the outcome of the audience that PAC held with the President on 21 April 2016 at Kamuzu Palace, Lilongwe.

At an all inclusive PAC indaba in Blantyre a few months ago, Malawi Congress Party and Peoples Party called on the president to step down accusing him of failing to run the country as evidenced by economic malaise and persistent food shortages.

Mutharika refused to step down and said his government is doing all it can to deal with all the problems rocking the nation.

 

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