Mutharika to meet PAC over North Malawi independence, federalism

President Peter Mutharika has agreed to meet Public Affairs Committee (PAC) to discuss on calls for federalism or the Northern Region independence as a standalone country.

PAC executive director Robert Phiri, said the religious body which has volunteered to facilitate debate on federalism or secession of the Northern Region, booked an appointment with the President to discuss the two issues.

State House press secretary Frederick Ndala said President Mutharika “is ready to meet [Pac].”

Main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP), led by its president Dr Lazarus Chakwera, is among groups that engaged PAC and asked  it for its facilitation.

MCP spokesperson Dr Jessie Kabwila argued that the federal government calls were as a result of nepotistic tendencies by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration.

The term federalism is also used to describe a system of government in which the sovereignty is constitutionally divided between a central governing authority and constituent political units (such as States or provinces).

In Africa, federalism system of government is practised in countries such as South Africa and Nigeria.