EU diplomat ordered to leave Malawi after protesting police rape allegations
European Union (EU) head of delegation to Malawi, Sandra Paesen, has been diplomatic expulsion from the southern African nation for protesting the incident in which the Malawi police officers raped and tortured women during demonstrations over presidential election results.
The EU diplomat Paesen has been given a week to return to Brussels, Belgium, one year after she flew in to take up the post.
The development is coming only weeks after Malawi government wrote the EU complaining that Paesen had taken part in a street protest against alleged rape of women by police at Msundwe in the capital, Lilongwe
EU ambassador to Malawi condemned the alleged sexual violence and called for “light to be shed on what happened.”
Paesen also attended the protests by women and said: “We want an investigation [and] we don’t want any violence against women in this country or any other country.”
The British high commissioner to Malawi, Holly Tett, also called for a thorough investigation.
The NGO Gender Coordination Network (NGO-GCN) documented accounts from women and girls who said they had been sexually assaulted by police officers.
Malawi police have since set up a commission of inquiry to investigate the allegations.
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..democracy is becoming a failed system of government in the 21 century.Until then these people are hypocrites!
Akuluakulu ask what happened to one kaluluma phiri, then a diplomat in zimbabwe, he was sent sent packing to malawi from zim for just commenting about the state of the economy then in zim. Ndiye uyu ndi ndan
I applaud EU ambassador Paesen for standing up against violence towards women by the Malawian police force who went on the raping spree. Any human being with brain will speak against violence that Malawian Police committed towards the Lilongwe women. It is wrong for police officers to go on raping spree of school children, married women, and others in the name of DPP teaching them a lesson. I think the EU must completely withdraw its financial support towards the DPP tribalistic and rapists regime. EU ambassador must walk with her head high for being brave and joined in the march the helpless Lilongwe women. Where was Seodi White? Believe me, this is the most useless clown and her ancestors are very ashamed of her. Peter Hitler Mutharika making a decision of kicking out Ambassador Paesen shows this man is a dictator, tribalistic, and the godfather of all the evil “isms.” Go well Ambassador Paesen and very soon Malawi will invite you back because Malawian people loves you very much. Walk tall Ambassador Paesen with your head high. Amandaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm! zankutu. EU is not stupid to recall her. There is much more to this than what you are thinking dude.Why not keep your mouth shut and wait to see what actually happened. The RAPE issue, leave it to the authorities investigating it.You were’nt there when the incident happened if atall it indeed happened or when you were being raped if atall you were raped!!!! Osangolubwalubwa zinthu zakuti mitu yake siukuidziwa CRY YOUR BELOVED COUNTRY!!!!
she was the one who was sponsoring Mtambo and the gay Mayaya and Trepense to destroy Malawi.
My earlier comment on this story which Nyasatimes gagged by not allowing it appear on this forum was asking the writer of this story to redo his or her work. The story is incomplete and leaves a myriad of questions unanswered. When one goes through the story is left with questions like ‘who sent EU diplomat packing, is it Malawi Govt or Brussels? The writer ignorantly left that important piece of information as a result readers are also ignorantly commenting on something that is neither here nor there. Redo this work Mr or Miss Journalist!!!
Do we really understand this issue? Maybe it is the reporting that has misled our comments. I understand that it is the EU that has recalled its diplomat. It is not Malawi that sent her packing.. No. She took part in an act that does not befit a diplomat and Malawi as a state reported her to the EU. It was a decision to be made by her employer (the EU) to let her stay or recall her. EU voluntarily chose to do the later (a recall).
Are we saying that the EU delegation can do anything in a sovereign country with impunity? – NO! Does Malawi deserve any respect at all as a nation or we should allow our poverty to be the sole purpose to be trampled upon by the whites so that they can play with us like morons? So people think our law and values are inferior to those of the whites? Nope! I would rather these whites learnt to respect our law for once. I hail the EU for recalling their envoy as she has wrongly represented her territory.
We should remove politics in all this and know that “Right is Right, no matter nobody is doing it — Wrong is wrong, no matter everybody is doing it”. I agree with the intention of joining the voiceless in a demonstration that was meant to protect our mothers and sisters. However, the way this diplomat did it was like she thinks Malawi does not have any laws and values worthy respect. Let her pack and go back home in goo peace
Sandra was a big embarrassment to Brussels. Not only did she mismanage the diplomatic relations between Malawi and the EU, she also mistreated fellow Diplomats and local staff at the EU Delegation in Malawi. As a result of the mistreatment, one diplomat had to return to Brussels due to stress triggered by the mistreatment. She also fell out with fellow diplomats, notably the British, Germans and Americans.
Looking at almost all the comments here, one can only conclude that Malawi has a long distance to cover to be independent. If the citizenry cannot believe in themselves to the point of determining to worship a white man/woman for the future of Africa, or I can do is shed tears. No wonder a white man will send Mtambo and Trapence to burn the country just to have men marrying each or women doing the same and the president cannot do anything, otherwise the citizens will rise against him. What is this Malawi?
I will personally say to embrace whites if they behave as humans and drive them out if they like animals. Why should Africa still be in the same slavery that she has always been in for ages. Wake up my people! These animals have never meant anything good to us. If they give us money, they are up to something. Rise up my people rise up!
I hate hypocrisy
Hypocrisy is African leaders robbing their poor fellow countrymen blind on a daily basis and crying “neocolonialism” when they are called out. Just look at the poor conditions of the “new” roads the DPP regime is building at huge cost through loans and taxpayers money. They develop potholes as soon as they are finished! But this does not matter to you. Instead you are worried about what two or more adult people do behind their closed doors. Do we know, or should we even care what YOU yourself do once you’ve locked your bedroom door? Fotseki
Loving it !!! Kusokonokere kumeneko tigule malo cheap cheap … ukapolo uyambe
If those are the allegations against her, then they are as groundless as they are foolish. Malawian politicians never learn!! As a well meaning Malawian, our politicians are a disgusting bunch!
Let’s face the reality here. The Nsundwe women were raped by MCP agents. Just last week an EU diplomat was expelled in another African country. Malawi has not done anything wrong. A police Officer was killed at Nsundwe by MCP functionaries under Chakwera’s instructions. So far no EU official nor MCP official have condemned the killing nor condoned the people of Mangochi for the loss of their son who was murdered by MCP.
Let’s face reality here. Just last week another EU DIPLOMAT was expelled in another African State. Malawi has not done anything wrong. The Nsundwe women were raped by MCP agents. A police Officer was killed at Nsundwe. So far no Eu official nor MCP official has so far condemned nor condoned the Mangochi people for loss of their through killing by MCP.
What was wrong with that …. you want people to be clapping hands on such pathetic issues really? Police instead of protecting the citizens, they rape women, beating them, teargasing them…. does this please you? Peter and Gertrude Mutharika?
She has not been expelled by Malawi Govt, but has been recalled by her employers
because of involving herself in a politically organised demonstration by HRDC. Diplomatic positions are very sensitive, one of the rules Governing them is not to involve themselves in internal fights of a country. It means EU Investigated when the Government of Malawi complained and came to a conclusion that it was not right for her to take sides on mere politically charged allegations which were not fully established.
Perhaps the EU should reciprocate and ask Pitala to leave the Climate Summit in Spain immediately?
Komadi ndi iwe big goat with no brains
It is a UN function not an EU one!
Reading between the lines it seems the diplomat has been recalled by Brussels after a complaint was lodged and not expelled by the Government of Malawi. A Malawi mwachuluka ma emotions to the extent of failing to understand things.
What is going on?? I’m sorry but I prefer the rain of kamuzu Banda. He was strict but the people had a better life.
Kamuzu Banda had no rain.
Kodi a Malawi umbuli chonchi bwa?
Siding with an ambassador who actively participated in a political demonstration against a government that is hosting her? What the …? And where are your heads abale inu? Express what is in you heads rather than in your hearts!
What Ms Paesen did is clearly and blatantly against diplomatic protocol. Anywhere.
And, if that was in the US, chances are Trump wouldn’t give her even 24 hours!
Bravo Malawi in this case: Malawi should not cower to Ms Paesen, and by inference, the EU. Regardless of the fact that we are a beggar nation. We should not cower partly because either we have (national) pride or we don’t! Real pride. I am not talking about false pride.
Do you insult a street beggar, or do you kick him/her, or do you throw sand in his/her eyes, say in Blantyre, just because you gave him/her some money? Likewise, just because the EU is our benefactor, should we be expected to cower to the ambassador, polish her shoes by licking them, after such savage insult?
Amazing that the EU did not recall her voluntarily: She needs to go for retraining, nothing less.
Have some pride abale. Pride.
What is government telling us? That rape of young women at Msundwe/Mpingu/Mbwatalika, serious an issue as it is, is a Malawi Nation issue only and none of EU’s business?
Yes, it is our issue not their issue
The police investigating themselves?????
This is calling for another hard time for Malawians just like what happened when late Bingu did exactly the same.. hat was wrong with her participating in the this. Please not for your comfort but for the good of poor Malawians. Please DPP get concerned with the plight of Malawians than your members concern. Cat you learn from what happened then? What sovereignity are you referring to when we virtually beg for anything?
As u can see them in uniform and on duty they this cadets rapist don’t mind to rape women n children as long as their president Peter mutharika orders them so
Let her leave in peace otherwise this cadets rapist sent by Peter mutharika would thought her the next to be raped after nsundwe. U better go in ur country before they rape you too mixed with gondolosi their zips are open ready for attack good luck tell ur EU to burn Malawi
Western world will now cut funding. Kenaka no Petrol
No forex
Muzalila Koko
Malawi Government is behaving like a child and we Malawians kusachedwa kuyiwala Bakili expelled the Danish Ambassador and in protest the Danish Government closed its embassy and the effects were disastrous in our nation , Bingu did the same with British envoy and the results were also bad shortage of petrol and Forex and now APM is done expecting life as usual.
Your did the same mistake with British Deplomat and that was the end of his shit government
This man Peter mutharika deserves to be burned in foreign countries too how can they allow him in there countries whilst so much things to be sorted out in his country Malawi please should he be on his country arrest Malawi
What was wrong there mr tippex Peter mutharika and your rooted dpp government I guess the foreign countries too should take action on what’s going on in your country Malawi it’s alot of things that is not to be desired happening in Malawi yet you are being clapped hands shame on you Peter whom they call you president of Malawi. Freedom is coming tomorrow Malawi has cried enough because of your falling rightly
Surely we are a confused Banana Republic, you let the rapists in uniform go free but want the diplomat expelled because she protested against the police gang raping children?
Clearly there is no leadership in this country, a total embarrassment.
Paeson she’s to investigate such articles as like rapests election results. Policeman killed and many more. But question is that when she’s wel all don what’s the solutions from paeson into Malawians. I think our president’s their have taken our nation to the ocean’s
Zoyambani ndi EU siyani … Akubandulani economically. Angochotsa ma credit facilities for Malawi and your guess is as good as mine.
This is the beginning of an end of somebody’s era. History repeating itself
Paja mavuto amene amabwera chifukwa chothamangitsa akazembe tikuwadziwa eti? Nanji ndi fodya wasiya kugulidwayu chaka cha 2020 mavuto ndiosayamba. Anthu ku mudzi ndimmakwalalamu alira psyitipsyiti!!! Mutharika ndiwanzeru koopsya. DPP Woyeeee.
Diplomats by their job description are supposed to behalf in a diplomatic way to their host countries they represent either their president. King. Queen or any head of that respective organisation. country etc. Therefore you don’t expect the represented figure to be demonstrating against a fellow country organisation etc. Madam Passen whether her convictions on the issue at hand was right or wrong she was not supposed to do what she did. Its like the EU sent an amateur to do a mans job. If she was hee on first appointment let hwr go back for further diplomatic training
William your Stupid
She was demonstrating against rape of Msundwe women. She demonstrated against breach of human rights. Who said she was demonstrating against Malawi government or any organisation?
Kumeneku timati kugwa cha dodolido kwa DPP. Pali chifukwa chothamangitsira nthumwi za EU pamenepa? EU!
mwapasa sangaivomele kuti maiyu walakwa ,iye amanyengaso tiana ta mmakomomu
Late Bingu did the same to British High Commissioner, what followed?
A Bingu adatelonso ndi wa ku Mangalande. Expect consequences
as far as I know — this woman will damage our image greatly if forced to leave –‘ rather let her stay for the sake of democracy —unfortunately I don’t think dpp cadets can understand this ?
Why, azipita kwawo basi. Nzungu si munthu womukhulupilira
Good move.We are a sovereign territory governed by our own values and No’s..As a diplomat you do not engage in domestic affairs.. Act as a diplomat not as a civil society actor.
why did u cry in Bingu time. As long as we dont fund ourself you can not nehave like Russia or China . where is Zimbabwe now ndi matama awo a Mugabe.
Kodi ikakhala demostration yo zala mitengo anakamuthamangitsatso. nanga mitengo ndi RAPE CHILI PAMWAMBA NDI CHITI???
ZA BINGU ZIKUBWERANSO
KAPENA CHIFUKWA AKUCHOKA NDIYE AKUFUNA ATISIYE MMAVUTO
A sovereign state even in allowing and endorsing women to be raped? Oh my God!!
You fool born out of gondolosi power. Sovereignty when you are surviving on their money. Let them cut their aid and let’s see if can steal your sovereignty
Gang raping children is a Malawian value? I dont think so. Perhaps a DPP value.
Youngman you are wise. These nyau thugs who are condemning Malawi don’t know what they are talking about. Mentality of slavery. This misguided diplomat went above her jurisdiction. Why didn’t she protest when Mtambo and Msundwe thugs killed a policeman? When Mtambo and Msundwe thugs stripped naked a police woman? Etcetc
I see history repeating itself. We are definitely to pass through the same situation after the British envoy, Diet was sent packing during Bingu’s time. Expect tough times if this government will survive the court case
wapanga za brother wake mwapwiya……..dyera mukufuna muyike nalo dziko pamoto
Please don’t start the war you cannot finish,Bingu and Mugabe tried they failed miserably
Don’t worry Paesen, you will come back to Malawi, you are fighting a good fight for all Women who can not speak on their own because of poverty , we are having new Malawi very soon, you will continue working in this Country and we will support you big time, these crooks are going. They did the same to other Ambassador from Britain but Malawi will be the Warm Heart of Africa. Everything in this Country is fake, President fake, I mean everything. Keep my word, you are coming back very soon. We are not going to forget you, you stood with our women against mtima wa anthu omwe Gondolosi.
Good news. Agalu achizungu awa atikwana
siukuziwa chimene ukamba
s
Does this imply that the suspects will not be brought to book? Serious consequences will follow as EU will react to this for sure
That’s how it always start, His elder brother chased British High commissioner out of the country and every one knows what followed. This maroon clueless tipexed president is repeating the same mistake again, who the hell does he think he is? Women were raped by those who are supposed to protect them and all he thinks is to chase the EU envoy? Monkeys can do this not a full human being. That is the price of allowing stupid and old feeble people to rule
Bad move, they never learn.
But still joy will come in the morning no matter what.Thumbs up Ambassador
My grand daughter’s name is now Ms. Sandra Paesen Banda.
Late President Bingu Wa Mutharika expelled former British High Commissioner, Cochraine Dyet in 2011 for reporting human rights abuses and things got worse with the donors leading to fuel shortages etc. President Peter Mutharika is expelling European Union Ambassador, Sandra Paesen 2019 for protesting against police raping civilians at Msundwe. I don’t know how donors will react to this. DPP party seem not to learn. Why acting as if we are a powerful country. Does protesting worthy expelling an ambassador?
The government reported to the EU and EU has recalled their servant. This is different from what Bingu did.