Talks opportunity to save Malawi- rights campaigners

Malawi human rights campaigners have hailed government and the opposition sides for finally coming into negotiations on the issue of section 65 but have cautioned against continued hate-filled remarks.

"Although the talks were long overdue, we are delighted that the two sides have met at last. It is never too late to put an end to conflicts," said Undule Mwakasungula executive director of Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR).

"Our hope is that President Bingu Mutharika and the opposition leaders involved in these talks will seize this golden opportunity to seriously remain steadfast in their resolve to end the political impasse, which has stalled deliberations in Parliament and divided the Malawi nation for far too long," added the leader of the leading rights body.

Malawi Human Rights Commission has however noted with concern the continuing propagation of speeches of hatred among political leaders when disseminating their opinions to the public.

The Commission said at a news conference that utterances could incite violence and result into chaos threatening the right to property, economic activity, human dignity, liberty and security of person and the right to life.

It called on both parties to desist from such conduct for the sake of unity and development and encouraged them to carry the mantle to ensure a culture of respect for human rights and upholding the rule of law to the benefit of all Malawians

On Wednesday, opposition and government sides had two meeting sessions with Mutharika, the morning one which started from about 9:25am to 1:25pm and the afternoon one which commenced from 4:10 to 6:30 PM but no conclusion was reached.

According to the leader of opposition, John Tembo who briefed the press after the meeting said, "The subject of discussion and meeting we had will continue at a certain level. The subject of discussion is section 65."

CHRR emphasised the need for the politicians involved in the talks to approach them with "sober and open minds" and that it should be a game of "give and take, sacrifice personal gains for national interest."

Leader of UDF in parliament Dr George Nga Ntafu asked government side to be sincere with the talks and agreement.

"It is becoming customary, that come tomorrow or Monday some one will be standing here and would be saying no this is not what we agreed on that day, and that is what I am afraid of," said Dr Ntafu in parliament before Speaker Louis Chimango adjourned the House for weekend recess as agreed by both parties.

Parliament was adjourned on Thursday as leaders from both government and opposition sides agreed to first continue with the dialogue.

Deputy Leader of government in parliament, Dr Ken Lipenga, who is also taking part in the negotiations, said he could not postulate a positive outcome.

"I know, we would like a successful outcome but we don't know what the out come will be as of now. And it will be premature for me to (predict) do that," said Lipenga in an interview outside Parliament.

Attending the meeting from the opposition apart from Tembo, Nga Ntafu and were: Rascpicious Dzanjalimodzi, Mark Katsomga Vice president PPM, Charles Luya deputy chief whip RP.

On government side led by Bingu, apart from Chimunthu Banda others were: Leader of the House Henry Chimunthu Banda, Lipenga, minister of finance, Dr. Goodall Gondwe, deputy chief whip, Henry Dama Phoya and government's chief whip, Davis Katsonga.

Francis Antonio, national coordinator for the Malawi Human Rights Defenders Forum and Rafik Hajat who heads think-tank Institute for Policy Interaction (IPI) have also added their voice to urge both sides of the negotiations to hold their discussions with "open and sober minds".

They expressed the hope that the talks will bear the fruit and see Malawi move Forward and sustain the threatened democracy.

CHRR also said the importance of a united nation can never be over emphasised.

"For both divides in the national assembly to come to good terms and start to deliberate smoothly and pass several development bills, the answer is in these talks. In fact the lives of the 12million plus Malawians hinge around these talks," said CHRR.