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Malawi set to clear Zimbabwe arms

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Nyasa Times Reporter 29 April, 2008 06:15:00
image Chinese ship carrying the weapons for Zimbabwe

Malawi government has sent a top three man national intelligence experts to Angola to look at ways of helping Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe clear the weapons aboard the beleaguered Chinese ship that has docked in Luanda, Angola, Nyasa Times has learnt.

The Malawi team is comprised of Mr Clement Kapalamula - Head of Secret Intelligence Services (SIS), Mr George Masinga - Acting Director of Foreign Relations (Intelligence) and a Mr Matanga - Technical Engineer (Intelligence).

The delegation left the country on Sunday through Kamuzu International Airport via South Africa to Luanda, Angola's capital to assess the means of clearing the arms in disguise as if they have been donated to Malawi by the Chinese Defence Forces.

"Malawi Secret Intelligence Services (SIS) was approached by the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) of Zimbabwe to help in clearing the arms if the ship docked in Angola," said a State House source speaking on condition of anonymity.

Malawi leader Bingu Mutharika is a staunch supporter of the 84 year old Zimbabwean dictator and has been providing supplies to his household and ‘donated’ 400 000 tonnes of maize to ZANU-PF to buy votes during the March 29 disputed general elections.

China and Zimbabwe want to clear the weapons as a donation to Malawi under recently signed US$4 million China-Malawi defence cooperation. The weapons are further to be smuggled into Zimbabwe.

"The plan is to clear the arms as if they are to be used by Malawi while in real sense they will be passed over to Zimbabwe using trucks ferrying maize being sold to Zimbabwe by the president," added the source.

The Malawi government actions come at the back of a Monday's White House warning against sending arms to Zimbabwe where the March 29 general elections has provoked a stand-off and bloodshed.

"We urge anyone who is thinking about sending arms to the region to rethink that, so that we can try to solve this peacefully," said White House spokesperson Dana Perino.

But Angola announced Saturday that the ship carrying would only be allowed to unload merchandise destined for Angola while it docked in Luanda.

Besides Malawi, Angola has long been one of Mugabe's staunchest allies but the refusal was wrongly adjudged as a symbol of solidarity in the region.

China and Malawi agreed to strengthen military cooperation in various fields during the talks between the defence ministers of the two countries Beijing during President Mutharika's official visit in March 2008 following the recognition of the one-China Policy that refuses to recognise the sovereign existence of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

"The Chinese armed forces attach great importance to establishing and developing relations with the Malawian armed forces," said Chinese Defence Minister Liang Guanglie and added that the China was ready to develop exchanges and cooperation with Malawi in various fields.

Earlier this month, SADC states refused to allow a Chinese ship to unload arms.

Comments (47 posted):

ATSOGOLERI AMAWA on 29 April, 2008 07:49:11
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From my observation,it seems Malawi dont know how to say no.When each and every country has refused something,Malawi accept.Think of the GM Maize and now the dangerous weapons.* think Malawians are beings of good morals and at the end people tke this as an advantage.They tend to twist us as the think.pliz,let us not put salt on the wounds of ZIMBABWEANS.
shakira thompson on 29 April, 2008 08:08:12
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* wonder why Malawi is so interested in helping Zimbabwe,what is so good about robert mugabe? he must be told that there is time for everything, his time is up now ,people are sick and tired with him. weapons for what purpose? are the people of zimbabwe going to eat bombs,ak 47s and tear gas? wake up mugabe this is no time to fight innocent zimbabweans,if you want to fight then go to south kivu, DRC.
maxwlyd on 29 April, 2008 08:09:13
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If Mutharika clears or helps Zimbabwe to clear the arms woe to him.Can you imagine USA & Britain imposing sanctions on Malawi.The country will burn to ashes.Woe to Mutharika let section 65 be used to remove him.He is worse than Muluzi
Bambo a Stevie on 29 April, 2008 08:18:51
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What a clever and ****** move the Malawi Government has taken under the leadership of Bingu wa Muntharika!This will only tarnish the good image and relationship with Britain,USA and the rest of the world who are following this story with keen interest.
mavuto akula on 29 April, 2008 09:54:57
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Is this what our government is conniving to do with Mugabe and his unelected government? Munthalika please know that Mugabe is out and any assistance now to keep him as President is a waste of time. Can you not read what the Zimbabwean masses have clearly declared by voting the man out. Munthalika please note that all dictators will go the same way Mugabe has gone. Please serve our dignity by bring back the SIS gentelmen.
Anton on 29 April, 2008 11:49:56
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Bingu Mutharika had better refrain from stupidity, because the time for Africa'* despots is coming to a close in this generation and he will cause a damaging backlash to the country of Malawi if he goes ahead with his personal plan to violate the hopes and dreams of the Zimbabwean people in favor his deranged geriatric friend, Bob Mugabe.
Joseph F. Banda on 29 April, 2008 12:56:04
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zovetsa chisoni kodi dziko lathu lili kupita kuti chibwezi cha a Bingu ndi a Mugabe chigulitsa dziko lathu tiyeni a Malawi titsegule maso 2009
KANJIARA BANNDA on 29 April, 2008 01:10:51
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This must be taken seriously by all malawians through parliament.Bingu is selling our integrity.
francis Smith on 29 April, 2008 01:25:09
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Koma zimenezi ndi zoona. Boma lathu likupanga chani?? Please do something talk to the goverment zisafike pamenepo....
Maga on 29 April, 2008 01:32:26
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it is a shame for Malawi, 'my beloved country,' to be involved in the process of smugling the weapons to Zim. * am in Zimbabwe now and my friends' parents are homeless because of ZANU-PF'* violent campain. just last Sunday, the army gathered people of Domboshava,outskirts of Harare for a meeting. the rights of the Zimbabweans is at stake, Please Bingu, think twice. your friendship with Bob should not cost the lives of the innocent Zimbabweans who for long have been crying for change.

My fellow Malawians, Lets be united, for "chaona mzako chapita mmawa chili kwa iwe."
Maga on 29 April, 2008 02:09:15
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It is a shame for all Malawians.
dali on 29 April, 2008 03:39:34
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Where do you people get such stories???

In your ever-ceasing efforts to castigate Bingu as a villan you denounce and discredit Malawi as well. Where are you people from?

In case you might not know this already, let me spell it out to you clearly here. Bakili WILL NEVER BE President of Malawi again. Malawi will never let a std 6 dropout ruin our country ever again. 'You can'* **** all the people all the time'. So please, get real will ya and stop this lunacy.
Dan on 29 April, 2008 03:54:18
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zimenezi ndiye zosathandizako kodi roBErt mUgabe angathandizenso chani ku Malawi kuno? zida zopita kwina dziko lina likalowelerapo chifukwa chani? Maiko amene akuletsawo ndiye kuti ndiopusa? Shame to Malawi governtment and its leader the so called moSe walero
BOSS on 29 April, 2008 04:07:11
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our image (Malawians) at stake,let our good image prevail- if this is real-SHAME!
mvula on 29 April, 2008 04:12:23
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Is the source of this information credible? or rumour mills at work. If this is true then we have a very big problem in the govt, but if this is all lies then these are very dangerous lies that will put people'* lives at stake. There are alot of Malawians who are in ZIMBABWE and can be easily picked out and get victimised. Lets keep our political differences to Malawi only lets not involve ourselves with Zimbo issues
sam Mwale (RSA) on 29 April, 2008 04:37:49
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Shame shame on Malawi!! The country which used to be a good example in southern africa, is now showing such bad characters just because of MR Know-it-all. It is house thing you want to do or global thing? Mind you with that ship the international organisations are keeping an eye on it, don'* cheat yourself. Let malawi do things in a diplomatic way!!!!
saeed on 29 April, 2008 04:42:52
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It is something * believe not that a country that has been known for preaching peace in Africa all these year
can involve herself in such.
The Munthu on 29 April, 2008 04:58:45
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* think Mutharika is taking a queue from Mugabe. This must worry us malawians. We should find a peaceful way to remove him.
Willie John Nsanja on 29 April, 2008 05:20:55
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Bingu must go, am now believing that he is not a malawian.A person who loves his country can not do that because the Western Countries are watching you.It is the ordinary Malawians who are going to suffer.This man is not fit to run the our beloved country.2009 is far, he must go now.
sam mwale (RSA) on 29 April, 2008 05:25:41
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shame shame!!! We are dumbfounded, confused, how can the so called Gov do such a thing? Is it house thing or national one? Don'* forget that international org, are keeping an eye on this ship. We do'* want sanctions in malawi pliz pliz!!! We don'* want to suffer like our brothers in zim.
Vin on 29 April, 2008 10:13:26
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Itleaves a lot to be desired as to wheather Mutharika is realy a Malawian. when one considers the move taken as that which can only be done by an enemy of the state and not the head of a peaceloving nation Malawi.GOD SAVE OUR LAND.
phinya on 29 April, 2008 11:27:25
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First it was establishibg diplomatic relations with Iran now ndi izi. Pabwino a Malawi tatayira ****. * wonder what is in this dirty deal for Malawi. Ndikaonetsetsa, pulezidenti wathu walelo uyu is playing double standards. Sakufuna Muluzi abwelerenso, two pints apo, koma at the same time akuthandiza mugabe kuti apitilire... Someone shake me up mwina ndikugona anthuni...
Chizamusoka Gondwe on 30 April, 2008 01:02:10
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* feel sorry for my country, our country, "Malawi". Is it true Mr President? Why helping Mr Mugabe so that he should kill more people (opposition) in his country (Zimbabwe)? Tomorrow it will be us, * can tell you. Please protect our country, the warm heart of Africa.
masoambeta on 30 April, 2008 11:20:26
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The Malawi government is the dumbest set of political clowns the world can offer. Any sane mind would imagine our position first before wiping geriatric Mugabe arse. * wonder if Bingu consulted before his schoolboy politics of cronyism with Mugabe. * bet if those warheads are cleared, Malawi will face international humuliation. On the other hand, everyone who is making an effort to help Mugabe is a corrupt maggot full of human dung.
saidi swalleh on 30 April, 2008 12:35:40
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That is the problem of leting people of no good heart rule the country. We know Bingu wants to please Mugabe so that he could give him his dautghter as a wife. Bingu, know that your time will come when you will pay for this sin you want to commit against the people of Zimbabwe. Section 65 is haunting you.
Mwaxy on 30 April, 2008 01:16:08
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Very sad indeed. Our counrty is very poor and this year we did'nt have a bumper yield. why sending more stuff while we are suffering. Pliz bwana MOSE walero, cogitate us.
Alick Joseph on 30 April, 2008 03:50:07
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It is very sad to the entire nation of Malawi that Bingu wants to assist Bob by bringing civil war in Zimbabwe.This idea must be of the ancient times when black people were invading the cruel whites regumes.Mr.President, you better think twice before accepting such unnecessary help which will cause the whole Southern Region of Africa to be in crisis.
Collins on 30 April, 2008 08:15:39
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Very unfortunate that in our desperate situation, (extreme poverty), we make ****** mistakes like these. What does it help to "Fourth World" countries like Malawi to make strategic blunders like these? What are we trying to gain from a dubious dictator like Mugabe?
It is no secret that Bingu has interests in Zimbabwe. But does he have to drag the nation into his affairs? Aliyense amakhala ndi ma mistakes ake, koma zina zinyanya.
jomo on 30 April, 2008 10:13:46
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Why are you all sursprised?Isn'* it Bingu that named a road after Mugabe while still oppressing Zimbabweans?Hasn'* Bingu led us into Bilateral relations with China,a country that does not value human rights?Isn'* Bingu considering tying us to Iran?Didnt'* the same Bingu act in a way that could have easily caused chaos in Malawi by dumping a party that took him from being a minibus driver to the presidency.This man does not care about anyone but himself.He will seriously hurt Malawi.Mark my words.We a re letting him get away with too many sins.
mayi freedom on 01 May, 2008 09:11:31
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let us pray for our president he does not know what he is doing neither does he know how he got there. he is now a headless man withs a self centred visions. PRESIDENTI WANGA * DECLARE THIS DAY A DAY OF FASTING FOR YOU.
mthuzi on 06 May, 2008 08:49:01
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if that is true,then its a shame.
Sala Kamkosi Banda on 07 May, 2008 12:08:24
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This is one of the most embarassing things that we could ever do....what is Mutharika thinking with? does he realise that he is puttin our peaceful contry in jeaopardy? does he have the word NO in his vocaburlary? he should learn to use it more. Malawi is going from the frying pan straight into the fire....on the international scene we shall look like a puppet that has been duped. Get your act together and let Mugabe solve his own problems without dragging us down with him.
Shane Tennett on 08 May, 2008 02:23:49
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Shame on Bingu. We must be courageous and defy Mugabe'* expectations, and not allow these weapons anywhere within our borders. We know they will only be used against Zimbabweans.
Hands Kawoko on 09 May, 2008 12:26:57
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* feel if Bingu is tired with this country, let him just pack and go where he used to stay. We are not Zimbabweans and let alone wish Mugabe longer life, no we are Malawians who attained our republic peacefully. Therefore, he fells he has a duty to do in Zimbabwe, let him go there together with his Patricia and Ntaba who are fond of refuting things that are true. No sane person can think of working with Mugabe, or else he is from mental hospital. So, to hear that someone from the peace loving country of Malawi has sent people to do very fishy things in Angola, it is unacceptable. God will punish that person no sooner or later.
Hope Maluwa on 09 May, 2008 01:31:22
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* am afraid mr president if it is true think twice otherwise the man of the cross my be angry with the blessed Malawi Love the Zimbabweans as you are doing with the Malawians with your good readership.
cassim on 16 May, 2008 01:57:39
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Mose walero has finally reached hisexpiry date.He and His old man in Zim should go and be forgotten 4 life
james jojo on 16 May, 2008 04:09:52
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* think the president of malawi is not thinking any more,promoting mugabe to kill alot of people in zimbabwe,God forbid.
Thomas on 20 May, 2008 03:46:30
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MVULA:You are correct!There are lots of Malawians in Zim and allegedly, including the Former President R.G. Mugabe!!Its such a pity all African leaders turn out to be the same!This article better be false, otherwise it means you Malawians are gonna be f**** up like we Zimboz as well if your leadership continues supporting a worn-out dictator like Bob!!
Gaz on 20 May, 2008 05:04:45
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Has anyone considered the fact that Bingu might be benefitting from this... he is going to get something out of this.......He probably thinks he'll be rewarded by Mugabe as well as by the Chinese. The Bingu admin do not want to hear what the Malwian people want or what the Zimbabwean'* need. They simply want to impress the Chinese and fill their own pockets!
taz_mw on 28 May, 2008 12:39:19
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How can Bingu do this? Malawians are peaceful people. Is Bingu really a true Malawian?
Mavuto chione - Ekwendeni on 29 May, 2008 03:01:12
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Please Malawians work on poverty and ignorance. People are found in other nations due to the mentioned reasons. Your people abroad are suffering but they DON'* have choice, because its better to clean a yard (gardning)and put food on plate than to be in a political debate and get nothing. Why can'* you leave ZIMBABWE alone and be concerned with your problems.Donars will hit your together with your Mugabe if you are blind.
Basatani on 17 June, 2008 02:00:34
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Good people, * would like to know the feedback of this story, has it reached to a conclusion yet or maybe things are still ringering in the air? Atleast everything has to have a conclusion.
Mchakachakeni on 18 June, 2008 04:09:01
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* feel Munthalika'* administration is getting too far if it is true that Malawi is helping Zimbabwe to offload the ammunitions to kill our dear friends in Zimbabwe. This is the time we need to unite with all peace loving countres like UK and USA to help the people of Zimbabwe to get rid of the autocratic Mugabe'* administration. We must all understand that the people of Zimbabwe are in dire need of help by the international community to restore democracy. Politics of intimidation is no longer valid and there is no way Mugabe can succeed when many Zimbabweans have been forced out of their own country in search of a decent living. * urge Munthalika'* administration to take a tough stand against Mugabe and issue statements for the international community to know that Malawians stand for peace. Malawi must not be seen to be playing ineffective diplomatic negotiations and its time of human rights organisation to mobilise all Malawians to force Munthalika to take a better position against Mugabe. Mugabe led the country to independence in order to allow the people of Zimbabwe to have a voice in the running of their country. Now he is torturing the very people he claims to have redeemed from colonial rule. Let the people of Zimbabwe make a choice in a free and fair elections.
Emie on 28 June, 2008 05:08:29
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Its hight time we took this dictator in the making out of government. * used to support Bingu but * have since lost all respect for him. Next elections * urge all Malawians to go and vote Bingu out. We are a peace loving ation. Our families rely heavily on donations from Western countries and we cannot afford to lose their support. Please Malawians, get this man out in the next lections before he turns into another Robert. Good thing he is not a liberation hero. * just wonder how he intends to indoctrinate people.
Patani Mhone on 30 June, 2008 03:05:08
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If the story is true then its shame to Mutharika but if its made up then shame to the one who wrote it.
zondie on 02 July, 2008 01:39:59
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It was written though shalt not kill neither bloodshed and here you are helping out a criminal to kill more innocent people who are not armed do you respect that vote? or its tyrant Mugabe who voted you into power? its such shame, peaciful country like ours doesnt help out criminals. Youve started well we believe in you and dont let us down Sir. May Mugabe and his followers rot in hell
anyasaka on 03 July, 2008 11:00:18
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Its a pity to see the self acclaimed mose to be thinking of doing such a ****** thing. Nevertheless * saw this coming as these leaders are similar in their leadership Mugabe being his mentor remember the foreign soldiers in Mangochi some months ago. If anything let Washington and all western countries and other African countries who fear the Lord and wishes the people of Zimbabwe well act on both Malawi'* Bingu and the dictat Bob.
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