DPP’s ‘civil war’ report in Africa Confidential has been ‘greatly exaggerated’ – Dausi

Malawi government has been forced to deny President Peter Mtharika leadership is in crisis after the London-based Africa Confidential – an influential intelligence publication on Africa says in its latest report claimed  the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was in meltdown with infighting.

In a report this month on Malawi titled ‘Mutharika’s Uncertain Future’, African Confidential reports that the civil war within the ruling clique may cost President Mutharika the 2019 elections.

Africa Confidential is one of the longest-established specialist publications on Africa, with a considerable reputation for being first with in-depth news and analysis on significant political, economic and security developments across the continent.

But Malawi government spokesman and Minister of Information and Communications, Nicolas Dausi,  has rejected the report   as “unfair  and baseless.”

“The party is stable, there is no need to fight amongst ourselves, these are lies of detractors,” said Dausi.

The 2019 elections will likely have on presidential ballot Mutharika who will face main challenger  Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president, Lazarus Chakwera, a  former Assemblies of God President.

Atupele Muluzi, son of the country’s President from 1994 to 2004, Bakili Muluzi,  who leads the United Democratic Front (UDF) is in Mutharika’s Cabinet and his party is in working alliance with DPP.

Dausi said the Africa Confidential has a lot inaccurate facts in its report, saying among its  “iniquitous and deceitful” report is that former vice president Khumbo Kachali who formed his Freedom Party is trying to lure State Vice President Saulos Chilima if Mutharika dumps him from the ticket.

“The report is false, biased, misleading and unfair,” he said, adding “it has been greatly exaggerated.”

The report also said Mutharika may pick Atupele Muluzi as his running mate in 2019 elections.