Mutharika insists he is ‘part of Malawi’s solution’
Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika has insisted that he is “part of the solution” to the country’s chronic problems as he seeks to win over sceptical donors in the west.
Speaking on Tuesday at a news conference he addressed at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe on his return from Ethiopia where he attended African Union summit, Mutharika said critics should not peddle “lies” to the country’s donors.
Critics argue that Mutharika “has almost single-handedly destroyed the country.”
But in his address to journalists largely from state media, monitored through Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, Mutharika denied being part of the problem but said he is part of the solution.
He informed that he had talks with Britain’s Secretary for State for International Development Andrew Mitchell and US Assistant Secretary of State Johnnie Carson while in Ethiopia.
“I told them I am not the problem, I am the solution,” said Mutharika who looked relaxed and in fine mood.
“It is sad how Malawians have turned from being honest people,” added the President.
The 78-year-old said he listened to the concerns of the cooperating partners during the meeting.
Mutharika also said he took “an opportunity to explain2 what his government is doing to address concerns on governance, human rights and economic mismanagement.
The President said there were some Malawians who he said continue to feed the cooperating partners with lies.
“When I said that the devil is sitting on some of you, it is clear from the lies that you create,” said the President.
Mutharika said his government needs more support to ensure that it can initiate the urgent stabilisation and recovery programmes that the people so desperately need.
“We are in dialogue with the IMF and I have assured them all that their concerns will be addressed,” he said.
Journalists from independent media houses boycotted the news conference following concerns that ruling DPP thugs always threatens them for asking tough questions.
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