Malawi govt attack on Joyce Banda ‘baseless’ – PP

Malawi government’s recent attack on former president Joyce Banda  that she embarrassed the country at United Nations (UN) meetings has been described as “baseless, malicious and unfounded” by opposition People’s Party (PP).

Banda has been attending various meetings in the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in United States of America (USA) after being invited in her own right.

But Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Dr George Chaponda accused Banda of not consulting President Peter Mutharika thereby embarrassing government at the international meetings in New York by taking positions that were contrary to government.

But PP spokesperson Ken Msonda, said former president Banda had always been invited to such high-level meetings across the globe including those organised by the UN and UN agencies, even before she ascended to the high office of president.

“Obviously, every now and then she would cite examples of achievements she has made through her involvement in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and charity such as the Joyce Banda Foundation International (JBF) or indeed through government when she served as president,” Msonda said in the statement.

Msonda said Banda addressed global issues and that the former head of State would not say anything that would bring Malawi into disrepute.

PP  has since challenged Chaponda to provide evidence to back his claims that Banda embarrassed  President Mutharika and the country.

Chaponda has maintained his claims, saying; ““I know what I am talking about.”