JB snubs Mutharika’s invitation on Independence celebration

Former President Joyce Banda has declined Malawi President Peter Mutharika’s invitation to attend this year’s independence celebration.

The country on Monday commemorates 51 years of independence with this year’s main celebration activities taking place at Kamuzu Stadium, Blantyre.

Nyasa Times established that government invited Banda among other high profile politicians to be part of the celebrations to be graced by President Mutharika.

In an interview, Banda’s Personal Aide, Andekuche Chanthunya said they did not receive the invitation.

”We have not received any invitation from government,” said Chanthunya.

Asked if the former president will attend the event despite the absence of the invitation, Chanthunya however refused to comment further, saying ”We will comment more once we get the invitation”.

But Minister of Information and government’s spokesperson, Kondwani Nankhumwa said they sent out the invitation last week.

”The invitation was sent by Tuesday. We have not received any confirmation of attendance but we expect her to be part of the audience as we commemorate our independence,” said Nankhumwa.

The main event at Kamuzu Stadium is expected to feature a football match between Malawi and Uganda.

Mutharika has a fractured relationship with Banda who turned down an “olive  branch” he offered after winning the 2014 disputed elections. Banda did not attend Mutharika’s swearing-in ceremony.

Banda has been outside the country since last year September.