Geological Mapping Programme To Open Malawi’s Mining Sector To Investors

Malawi is optimistic that its recent launch of Geological Mapping and Mineral Assessment Project (GEMMAP) will open up way for potential investors to come in the country to start serious mining business.

The launch of GEMMAP follows the 2015 launch of the High Resolution Airborne Survey Data that has pinpointed areas with high mineral potential. GEMMAP will among several issues, conduct ground follow ups of the anomalies interpreted in the High Resolution Airborne Survey Data and the investigations will include to identification of the type of rocks, the minerals hosted by the rocks, the quality and the quantities of the minerals in the ground.

Mw Govt Calls NGO’s To Utilize Green Climate Fund Opportunity

Msaka 

Malawi Government has expressed its desire to see more institutions developing project proposals to Green Climate Fund to enable the country’s implementation of its climate change management priorities.

At the moment, the Green Climate Fund Board approved a six year project for Malawi worth US$ 12.3 million to enhance early warning systems as part of disaster risk reduction.

Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Bright Msaka said Green Climate Fund provides climate finance for developing countries to undertake actions to address climate change through mitigation, adaptation, capacity building among others.

But for the country to ably implement its climate change management priorities, Msaka said stakeholders from Government institutions, private sector, Civil Society, faith based institutions and academia are encouraged to develop project proposals which takes into account the country’s-driven strategies, priorities and needs, and submit proposals to the fund. 

He expressed hope that successful proposals will help to attract investment to the country’s instruments such as National Climate Change Investment Plan, Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions and National Adaptation Programmes of Action.

“There is need therefore to initiate development project proposals to be submitted to the Green Climate Fund and other funds that are available under the Convention so that Malawi can develop and implement projects to restore its rivers, degraded ecosystems, forests, reduce emissions, increase climate resilience with the objective of achieving both mitigation and adaptation goals.” Said Msaka

The developed nations agreed to put money in a fund and money from that a fund will be distributed and allocated to countries depending upon the projects that a countries propose.

The minister said “There are identified areas where Government and NGO's can propose to the fund in order for them to get funding. So yes there is going to be available money to Malawi if we submit projects that meet the criteria that has been set for that purpose.”

He among others noted that the climate funding will assist the country in areas of climate information for farmers for example on time when the rains comes.

"We are going to have information readily available and we will going to work with institutions including NASFAM and others including extension workers to ensure that the information is readily available to farmers. The fact that we are going to also being in a position to tell people about and measure the levels of rivers and leaks and all water bodies we can then warn people to move away from areas of dangers so already issues of adaptation are being implemented through that fund" said Msaka 

He emphasized that in terms of Technology and transfer, Malawi stands to benefit in technology identification, development and transfer of environmentally-sound technologies. Such technologies will be harnessed and developed through the support from the Technology Framework Mechanism which will assist Malawi in addressing its cleaner technology priorities.

He said Forestry sector will benefit from the Global Landscapes Forum: Africa Restoration Initiative also referred to as AFR100 which is continental initiative with the goal of bringing 100 million hectares of degraded and deforested land in Africa into restoration by the year 2030.

Paris Agreement calls for a signature ceremony in April 2016 and requests that UN Secretary General should keep the Agreement open for signing until April 2017.  Malawi Government will after due consultations be signing the Paris Agreement thereafter ratifying it once necessary consultations and all arrangements are finalized.

Paris Agreement

The purpose of Paris Agreement will enhance the implementation of the Climate Change Convention that was adopted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 1992. It also aims at strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty.

The agreement will contribute to holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2º Celsius and pursue to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 Celcius

Paris Agreement acknowledges the inclusion of actions that contribute to Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) by avoiding deforestation and also recognizes role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.

The Paris Agreement contains decisions that will allow mobilization and provision of climate finance for developing countries to undertake actions to address climate change through mitigation, adaptation, capacity building, technology development and transfer, REDD+ and loss and damage.

The provision of scaled up financial resources should aim to achieve a balance between adaptation and mitigation, taking into account country-driven strategies, the priorities and needs of developing country Parties, especially those that are vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

Therefore developed countries are expected to continue to mobilize US$100 billion annually taking into account needs and priorities of developing countries.

The Agreement recognizes that climate finance will come from both external and national resources and also recognizes that grant-based resources are the preferred resource for adaptation actions as opposed to loans.

The agreement has established a Committee on Capacity building, whose aim is to address capacity gaps and needs in implementing climate change actions.

It is believed that unlike Climate Change Convention and its Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement has a clear pathway and road map for sources and channels for provision of climate finance 

Paris Agreement Gives Hope To Malawi In The Fight Of Climate Change

Msaka

Malawi Government consider Paris Agreement as a milestone in terms of solving climate crisis both in the country and globally.

The country is experiencing adverse effects of climate change which have recently affected most of its key economic sectors like agriculture and the latest being this year’s devastating floods followed by drought.

Malawi participated at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change that was held in Paris, France from 30th November to 11th December 2015.

Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Bright Msaka who led delegation to Paris told Journalists in Lilongwe on Thursday that Paris Agreement will have a transformative effect and will accelerate significant normative and policy progress domestically. 

“The agreement will change the way Governments, civil society and the private sector view the links between climate responsibility, economic growth and social inclusion. It will enhance climate actions by all stakeholders.” Said Msaka while calling private sector, CSOs and faith institutions to work with Government in endeavors of combating climate change 

Msaka mentioned that Malawi is committed to contribute to global efforts in mitigating climate change and reducing carbon emissions through implementation of number of initiatives. 

"Malawi like all other countries has committed to ensuring that the global climate is not so adversely affected to a point where human life is impossible. So we Malawians have agreed to reduce emissions over a period of time to make sure that we employ more efficient and less polluting methods of developing ourselves. 

We have therefore agreed to plant more trees so that we create a carbon sink so that the green house emissions that are going to be created from both in Malawi and elsewhere have somewhere where they can sink and therefore we and the world are able to preserve environment and able to sustain the human life.” Explained Msaka

He assured that Government will intensify adaptation actions through formulation and implementation of national adaptation plans that includes construction of dams and water harvesting technologies, crop diversification and breeding of drought resistant livestock among others.

Msaka further said Government will continue to work with research institutions to undertake research and technology development of critical adaptation interventions such as drought resistant and fast maturing seed varieties to cope with the short duration of the rainfall season as a result of the changing climate.

Like other least developed countries, Malawi will also through assistance going to undertake mechanisms to address losses and damages that occur as a result of disasters arising from the impact of climate change.

On this, the Natural Resources Minister said the main focus will be on early warning systems, emergency preparedness and resilience of communities, livelihoods and ecosystems among others.

According to Msaka, this year’s floods were more eloquent enough than anyone else would explain about climate change therefore “this nation will never stop at anything to ensure that it protects its citizens from the impact of climate change."

It is estimated that Malawi total emissions contributes 0.06% to the total global warming.

Reviewed Minines And Minerals Act To Parliament in November

Malawi Government says, the reviewed Mines and Minerals Act will possibly make its way into the National Assembly this year. 

Msaka

Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Hon. Bright Msaka says the review and all other processes including consultations have been completed 

He said the reviewed act is part of number of integral initiatives his ministry is implementing that are aimed at reforming the mining sector to sustainably meet the expectations of Malawians.

“The Mines and Minerals Act review is underway, the process of consultation was completed the draft bill is currently with the Ministry of Justice. In our discussion we are hoping that that bill can be before parliament during November meeting of parliament” he said

"Apart from reviewing the Mines and Minerals Act; we are also reviewing the Mining Fiscal regime; Establishing a geo-data management centre in order to increase on line access to geoscientific data at Geological Survey Department. 

We are Establishing a mining cadastre system at Mines Department in order to increase efficiency and transparency in the allocation and management of mineral tenements; we are Building capacity in  the Environmental Affairs Department to monitor environmental issues resulting from mining activities"

Msaka further said government is Reviewing the curriculum in the University especially in mining related programmes in order to produce high quality human resources needed by the mining sector; and that Geological mapping of the country to commence in 2016 with funding from the French Government.

"These initiatives are aimed at reforming the mining sector to sustainably meet the expectations of Malawians." Said Msaka 

It is also envisaged he said "that probably it might be a god idea for the government to establish a company as we had done before. To be having shares in some of the lucrative mining ventures on behalf of people of Malawi. So that people of Malawi are participants of in the share holding of various mineral investments. So there are a lot of work to be done by government. We will continue to work with the industry but more focusing on the benefits that Malawi government as well as people of Malawi can make from our mineral wealth.”

The minister also said as pert of reforms in the sector government will soon join the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) in order to promote transparency in the extractive industry. 

Individuals, Companies Challenged to Explore Minerals In Malawi

Malawi Government has officially launched its Country Wide High Resolution Airborne Geophysical Data with an appeal to interested individuals and companies to show interest and begin exploration of minerals available in the country.

Launching the new survey, Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Hon. Bright Msaka said the Data is now accessible at a nominal fee and ready for use by interested individuals and companies.

Bright Msaka

“I wish to take this opportunity to appeal to the private sector to fully utilize this modern data so as to help our Government in its efforts to realize a modern, efficient and effective mining industry in Malawi.”

He strongly affirm that if efficiently utilized, this airborne geophysical data will truly, prove that Malawi is not poor even though the people may be poor.

He assured that his Ministry “will do everything possible to support investors” so that they get the best return on their investment in the sector.

The event which took place in the Capital City, Lilongwe at Peermont Five Star Hotel’s Bingu International Conference Center was fully packed with interested individuals and companies in mining sector.

The Mining Minister told the gathering that the data which replaces the 1984-85 survey, will greatly enhance the mining profile of Malawi at the same time significantly increase knowledge of the geology.

“The geology and hence full mineral potential of this country is poorly understood.” He said “The lack of background geological information to assist in selecting areas for exploration has hindered meaningful mineral exploration in this country. This can only be improved by acquiring more geological data.”

The Country-wide Airborne Geophysical data launched on Thursday was acquired at more closely spaced flight lines and at low height to achieve the maximum detail.

According to the Minister, this will further reduce the high risks involved in discovering mineral resources at the same time stimulate mineral exploration.

Bright Msaka added that the data generated from the airborne survey is also useful for general infrastructure development.

He further highlighted that the airborne geophysical survey is an integral part of initiatives his Ministry is implementing and include:



Reviewing the Mines and Minerals Act; Reviewing the Mining Fiscal regime; and Reviewing the curriculum in the University especially in mining related programmes in order to produce high quality human resources needed by the mining sector.



He also said government intends to;


Establish a geo-data management centre in order to increase on line access to geoscientific data at Geological Survey Department; Establish a mining cadastre system at Mines Department in order to increase efficiency and transparency in the allocation and management of mineral tenements;



Building capacity in  the Environmental Affairs Department to monitor environmental issues resulting from mining activities; and Geological mapping of the country to commence in 2016 with funding from the French Government.

On 6th November, 2013, Malawi launched the Country-wide High Resolution Airborne Geophysical Survey at a function held at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, kicking off a massive search for high value mineral deposits. 

This search involved low flying aircrafts hovering over the whole country and the exercise was widely known as ‘Kauniuni.

US$ 5.7 Million was spent in acquiring the airborne data from World Bank’s Mining Governance and Growth Support Project (MGGSP) loan (amounting to US$ 25 million), while European Union co-financed the Project with a Grant amounting to 4.1 million Euros.

Malawi Anticipate Booming Mining Sector After Positive Survey Results

The Malawi Government has expressed optimism that the Country-wide High Resolution Airborne Geophysical Data will propel government plans of diversifying the economy.

Data obtained from the survey conducted between September 2013 and August 2014 which involved radiometric and gravity methods has been launched on Thursday in the capital city, Lilongwe.

Results from the survey, shows that there are mineral deposits across the country but Geological Survey Department is yet to interpret and conduct ground follow-up for the whole data set. However interested individuals and companies can still access the data and conduct their own interpretation and ground follow-ups based on their interest.

Hon Bright Msaka 

Speaking when launching the results, Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Hon. Bright Msaka, said the results from the survey are impressive enough to greatly improve the mining profile of Malawi.

He said this data is likely going to attract more investors and lead to stimulated mineral exploration.

The Minister then said from such intensive explorations, the country will start earning more revenue from the mining sector and possibly end the overdependence on Agriculture sector.

"Malawi's economy has been agro-based since independence, relying a lot on revenue from major cash crops, in particular tobacco. However, various factors including the global anti-smoking lobby, unpredictable and hostile climatic conditions among others, have heavily affected the agricultural sector and subsequently, the country's agrarian-dependent economy" noted the Minister when speaking on sidelines of heavy dependence of agriculture

To further enhance economic diversification and realize sustainable economic growth, Hon Msaka mentioned that Malawi also will implement number of reforms in the mining sector.

He among others said government will introduce number of initiatives including enactment of mining related Acts.

Ambassador Marchel Gerrmann

In his remarks, European Union Head of Delegation to Malawi, Ambassador Marchel Gerrmann also noted that the new data marks beginning of development of mining sector as well as economic diversification and broadening of the resource base.

But he stressed that Malawi ought to be more transparent and properly manage resources generated from the sector including contracts and licenses to fully realize potential of the mining sector.

On other hand, Ambassador Gerrmann, hailed Malawi's interest to join Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) saying this is a right direction geared towards more transparency in mining sector.

On 6th November, 2013, Malawi launched the Country-wide High Resolution Airborne Geophysical Survey at a function held at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, kicking off a massive search for high value mineral deposits.

The search involved low flying aircrafts hovering over the whole country and the exercise was widely known as 'Kauniuni.

US$ 5.7 Million from World Bank Mining Governance and Growth Support Project (MGGSP) loan (amounting to US$ 25 million) was spent in acquiring the airborne data while, European Union co-financed the Project with a Grant amounting to 4.1 million Euros.

Pope Francis Encyclical To Help Climate Change Mitigation in MW

Pope Francis 'letter' Encyclical 'Laudato Si' meaning 'Praise God' has received a warm welcome from Malawi Government as a document that complements efforts on climate change mitigation.

Encyclical 'Laudato Si' launched in Malawi Tuesday night in the Capital city Lilongwe

"It is extremely fortunate that the Encyclical 'Laudato Si' is moving extremely in tandem with government plans, policies and actions on climate change" said Honorable Bright Msaka, Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining who graced the occasion as guest of honor

"This is not one man's effort we must collaborate in order to achieve the intended objective." Said Msaka

"The Catholic Church has a very broad reach in Malawi. If this Encyclical is going to be read in all Catholic churches in Malawi and listened to by all the Catholics, then we will have a very critical mass there of Christians in the Catholics church supporting government effort to achieve the kind of actions we want to undertake."

The Minister also assured that government is making positive strides on conservation and address issues of climate change conservation. 

"This Government is doing everything it can to ensure that nature is preserved" said Msaka 

"We would like to assure the nation that we will leave nothing undone to ensure that the environment is protected. We will reduce and eliminate green house gases and everything that is depleting ozone layer and that goes with it" he said 

His Grace Thomas Msusa

Speaking on the Encyclical 'Laudato Si', Bishop Chairman for the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, His Grace, Thomas Msusa said "Climate change is here" and that Pope Francis in his Encyclical 'Laudato Si', looks back what God did. 

"Before creating human beings God created nature; trees, plants and other things and then human person was put in that creation." Said Msusa

"So Pope Francis as he looks back sees nature, and that the world is not as it was before. Pope Francis is concerned about the co-existence of human beings and nature. We are related with nature, we are part of nature. However, people are destroying the nature." He said 

"Pope Francis is urging us to take care of our natural resources and all what God created. He wants us to be responsible. He calls us to receive this message to look and think of climate change. It is there and we have to control it" urged ECM Bishop chairman

Arch Bishop Msusa further urged Malawians to take care of their natural resources, "Here in Malawi there is wanton cutting down of trees, burning of bushes unnecessarily. But let us replant trees, take care of our natural resources so that our future generation can also enjoy what God created"

Speed Climate Policy Enactment Urge Catholic Church

His Grace Thomas Msusa 

Catholic Church in Malawi has emphasided the importance of enactment of all legislations that may support in mitigating the continued effects of climate change. 

Malawi has this year experienced worst climate change effects following erratic rainfall and floods in most parts of the country. 

The Bishop Chairman for the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) His Grace, Thomas Msusa has asked Malawi Government to speed up the process of enacting all policies that addresses the climate change mitigation.

Msusa was speaking at on Tuesday night in the Capital city, Lilongwe during the launch of Pope Francis Encyclical 'Laudato Si' which calls the world to protect and preserve the environment.

"Surely in Malawi we are affected seriously about climate change." Said Msusa Arch Bishop of Blantyre Arch Diocese then gave an example of recent adverse floods and drought which hit most parts of the country as a vivid sign that climate issues needs serious attention.

"So we would like to see government which is concerned with the welfare of poor people to speed enactment of climate policy" urged Msusa

"We are agro-based economy." He said, "We would like to invite political leaders, government and religious leaders and everyone to have an advocacy on these policies that government should speed up enactment of Agriculture policy and Climate policy" adding that this will help people to have proper direction on taking care of environment

Hon Bright Msaka 

Responding to the call, Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Hon. Bright Msaka who was at the launch a guest of honor said Government is "making huge progress" on process of enactment of legislations that are deals with climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Msaka said; "We are leaving nothing undone to ensure that we address the effects of climate change, mitigate and adapt"  

He explained "There are many pieces of legislation that are already addressing the issue of environment. We have Forest Act which is in existence and that is going to be amended shortly, we have Forest Policy that is under process now and is before cabinet and it was last week discussed by the Cabinet Committee responsible of these matters and was passed.

"Similarly the Climate Change Management Policy was discussed by the Committee of Cabinet and the Committee referred the document to Cabinet."

He then assured "Passage of Climate Change Policy by Cabinet will be in matter of weeks when cabinet meets and discuss on it. Be assured that Climate Change Policy and Agriculture Policy are to be enacted soon and we are making huge progress on this".

MAREP Phase 8 Meets Requests From Legislatures

• The project began in 1980s to promote economic activities for rural trading centres 

• MAREP 8 Target to electrify 81 Trading Centre’s and dditional 60 Centre’s For Step Down Transformers

Hon Msaka

The Malawi Rural Electrification Project (MAREP) phase 8 begins later this year, Government says areas prioritized for electrification includes those that were requested by members of parliament and local contractors will implement the project.

Phase 8 ending in December, 2016 targets a total of 81 trading centre’s, three rural trading centre’s per each district (Know target areas here and full statement)

Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Hon Bright Msaka told news conference in Lilongwe on Thursday that approximately 60 to 70 trading centre’s passed through by the power lines will also get Step Down Transformers.

The total project cost is estimated to K12.1billion against K8.3 billion for MAREP 7.

“In my responses to requests from Members of Parliament, I have been telling them that their requested sites were either already planned to be implemented in this Phase 8 or are in the MAREP Master Plan, ready for implementation in later phases.” said hon Msaka

“I would like to assure that this phase, will answer most requests from members of parliament. But many others will have their requests answered in upcoming phase” he assured

The Natural Resources, Energy, and Mining Minister explained that criteria used to identify the beneficiary trading centre’s was robust and from Rural Electrification Master Plan.

He also said the criteria further took cognizant of district’s; size and population, rate of electrification and number of trading centre’s demanding for electricity.

“Every centre that is within the 81 centre’s under MAREP phase 8, there is no dispute whatsoever that the merit and deserve to be electrified. And therefore the selection process is both robust and sacrosanct.” He said

Additionally, Hon Bright Msaka indicated, 60 to 70 trading centre’s will benefit from Step Down Transformer programme. He said this shall mean, each district will have two more trading centre’s electrified.

He said consultations are being done to identify those step down trading centre’s and assured that similar robust identification process will be done.

Among other considerations, he clarified “These 60 to 70 drop down centre’s, will not be on the basis of the equality per district but, will be on the demand and equity depending upon the size of the population per district”

Hon Msaka further mentioned that local contractors will be engaged to implement the project because they have achieved efficiency in previous phases. He added that materials will also be procured locally.

MAREP began in 1980s with an aim of promoting economic activities in rural areas. However, demographic, geographic and economic disparities pose a huge challenge to the successful implementation of the programme.

Malawi is failing to meet its growing demand for electricity because currently it has installed capacity of 351.75 Mega Watts against the demand of 800 Mega Watts. The country’s electricity rural penetration is at 2 percent while the national average is 9 percent.

But Msaka said Malawi is determined to meet SADC region average of 39 percent in 5 years time and that Government is committed to increase electricity capacity through involvement of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) who will generate electricity and inject it into the national grid through Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with ESCOM.

Know target areas here and full statement)

Malawi Sign Numerous Deals During MIF… Full Report Ready By Friday- Mwanamvekha

The Malawi Government describes its first ever Malawi Investment Forum (MIF) a 'success' having signed so many deals with foreign investors.

Minister of Industry and Trade, Joseph Mwanamvekha whose ministry has been coordinating to host the forum has since described the forum as huge success and promised ready to release full detailed and comprehensive report on the deals made in the Forum by Friday this week.

"Deals have been done, some of them (Investors) have just indicated their interest" said Mwanamvekha before the Communiqué was read out.

Mwanamvekha who was accompanied by three other ministers at Bingu International Conference Centre to deliver the Communiqué said close to US$ 1.5 million deals have been realized. He also said other deals will be made in the near future and at the time of issuing the Communiqué more discussions with investors were taking place and that some more will be happening in week's time.

He said other projects that investors have expressed interest require feasibility studies.

The Trade Minister boasts "From our perspective and from comments received, this forum was success because we managed to market Malawi"

He said investors managed to identify the opportunities and most of them were interested in Energy and mining sector, Infrastructure and Agriculture sectors.

Minister of Transport and Public Works, Francis Kasaila said he was impressed with number of interested investors in the transport sector including; Japanese Investment Institution Hitoch Corporation which is interested in number of projects; Elactra from Uganda interested Airport City in Lumbadzi, rail rehabilitation, marine and power projects among other number of investments and the company has promised to be back for more discussions in two weeks time.

"But the most important thing in the infrastructure sector is that we have been able to expose our local investors to financing institutions and in this regard the meetings we had with Economic Bank of Africa is one of them which has given the opportunities to local investors that they can send proposals and get financing and they have made it clear that they are ready to finance projects that are past with feasibility studies and we have number of projects that have gone past that." Said Kasaila

Taking his turn, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Allan Chiyembekeza said there is a investor interested in production of ethanol as well as production of glucose and starch from maize and that they are looking for huge quantities for maize.

The minister said discussions are underway and that once the deal is on, Malawian farmer will benefit much as the company is looking for quantities in excess of 350 thousand metric tonnes per year used to produce ethanol.

He said another company is interested in producing fertilizer and that another company from Zimbabwe, is interested to invest in chicken farming especially dealing with youth.

Unfortunately he said there was no investor interested in irrigation agriculture, "With the climate change problems we are facing in this country, I think we will be moving towards the intensification of irrigation agriculture." he then invited those with resources and interest to come forth and invest in this area.

Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Bright Msaka said in Energy sector numerous investors have expressed interest as well. He said "I can say here and without hesitation that if we were to consolidate anything that we have received we will be fully satisfied to our energy need"

He indicated that some investors have expressed interest in providing financing in energy sector while others are interested in providing technical services in the sector.

Msaka confidently said "We created enough curiosity" by people interested in mining industry to come and explore more

"For many years Malawi has not been known as the mining nation, but we are the mining nation in view of amount of deposits that we have." Said Msaka who further assured the gathering and asked to spread the word that "there is enough minerals in Malawi to last us many years to come"

Mutharika Brands 2013 Arrest and Detention “Abuse of Power”;

Thanks Cadets, Police Judiciary as He Walks Down Memory Lane

Mutharika 

President Professor Peter Mutharika has described his arrest in March 11, 2013 as ‘abuse of power’ and ‘irresponsible behavior’ of the Joyce Banda administration. Mutharika has for the third time also called the treason charges leveled against him as ‘stupid case’

The Malawi leader was speaking on Wednesday in the Capital Lilongwe at a commemoration of second anniversary of his arrest together with eleven other Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials.

Mutharika with fellow detainees
 (Photo by State House)

Peter Mutharika was arrested on treason charges following the findings and recommendations of Commission of Inquiry into the death of his brother former president late Professor Bingu Wa Mutharika, a commission instituted by Joyce Banda Administration. The Commission findings lead to suspect that Mutharika and other officials plotted bar of then vice president Joyce Banda from being Malawi president, in the course committing treason offense and insight mutiny for allegedly asking then Malawi Defense Force Commander General Henry Odilo to take over the government.

Mutharika speaking at Lumbadzi Police
(Photo by State House)

But speaking of his arrest at Mtunthama State Lodge Mutharika said “I think the arrest of me and the other ten was a typical example of irresponsible behavior and abuse of power”

“That’s why I have said all this time, and I will say it again that it was a stupid treason case” said President Mutharika while challenging that he is not afraid of media critics for reiterating the word “stupid treason case”

Mutharika in Lumbadzi
police cell with Other detainees
(Photo by State House)

Last year, similar remarks attracted mixed reacts on Mutharika’s choice of diction and credibility of his arrest when he uttered the words at Mjamba in commercial city of Blantyre and Masintha ground in the Capital city Lilongwe during rallies of thanking party supporters for voting him to presidency.

“Never again should this country allow that kind of abuse of power and there is nothing worse than abuse of power” he continued as began to express word of thanks to those that rallied behind him as he walked through agony from 11 march 2013 until the time he made it to presidency in May 2014. 

Mutharika writes his name on the wall
Of Lumbadzi police cell
(Photo by State House)

On this, Mutharika has thanked youth cadets for offering him protection from three suspected doctors who came to his police cell at Lumbadzi. He said one of them was identified as Head of Criminal Investigations Department were trying to enter into Mutharika’s cell claiming Peter Mutharika required medical attention and were there to help. When the men tried to force themselves in to the cell further raising suspicions, youth cadets thwarted their mission by beating them.

DPP Youth Cadets at Mtunthama
State Lodge: Protected their leader

Here, Mutharika said, had it not been for the protection of youth cadets he would by now have been “buried six feet under the ground.”

“Anything could have happened,” said Mutharika as he also expresses thanks to police for the defense and professionalism exercised throughout the time he was detained at Lumbadzi Police station.

He further, commended Judiciary for handling treason case professionally “I want to thank the judiciary for their real professionalism, and I want Judiciary to continue with this tradition because judiciary must stand between the abuse of power and helpless individuals. The judges are supposed to stand between that to protect innocent people, so am very grateful”

To all Malawians and DPP followers support Mutharika said “May be you don’t know what it is like when you are there, you are there and you have the whole force of government against you! It’s not easy there is humiliation as well! So myself and fellow prison graduates we say thank you!”

Women and all Malawians hailed for
Support

President Mutharika who was them interim President for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and other ten party officials were arrested and charged with treason.

Necton Mhura was detained with Mutharika
(Photo by State House)

The other ten are; Goodall Gondwe, Bright Msaka, Vuwa Kaunda, Dr. Jean Kalirani, Patricia Kaliati, Kondwani Nankhumwa, Henry Mussa, Necton Mhura, Nicholas Dausi and Unus Mussa.

Mutharika Walks Down Memory Lane of 2013 Arrest and Detention; Recounts His Time In Detention

Donates Various Items to Lumbadzi Police Station, Maula Prison

Mutharika

The State President Professor Peter Mutharika on Wednesday walks down memory lane of March 2013 arrest and detention following Treason  accusations leveled against him together with eleven Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials.

Mutharika visited cells of his detention at Lumbadzi Police station and later visited Maula Prison a place he denied to stay for he argued with officials that he could not stay there for he was not yet convicted of the alleged accusations. 

Speaking at Lumbadzi Police marking commemoration of 2nd anniversary of  his arrest in 2013, Mutharika immediately after visiting the cells he said "Henry Mussa was our pastor we used to pray every night." And added "Being in Police cell is not a joke, that's a place you notice that you are in an isolation world".

"The day we arrived here" he continued, "In the middle of night the Inspector General of Police Dzonzi (Loti Dzonzi former Inspector General of Police who was serving Joyce Banda administration) received information right away from the president. He was told that Professor requires medical attention and am sending medical doctors."

"But that was a total lie" he said

"When the three men came here, Bright Msaka (who were together with Mutharika in the cell) told them that Professor is fine and does not seek any medical attention." He said, then continued with  recounts of how those men were beaten by angry party supporters when the men forced themselves into the cells further sending suspicions of their presence and mission.

Mutharika revealed that the doctors were fake as one of them is being identified as a Head of Criminal Investigations Department and said " I have a signed affidavit by Inspector General of Police (refering to Former IG Loti Dzonzi) I have it myself at the right time I will use that Affidavit" 

Mutharika was in a company of some of the officials who were arrested with him; Goodall Gondwe, Nicholas Dausi, Bright Msaka, Vuwa Kaunda, Kondwani Nankhumwa and Henry Mussa.

He announced that he has donated 15 chairs for the police at Lumbadzi, 8 solar lamps and blankets.

Later, he visited Maula Prison where he also donated food and non food items worth millions.

The items includes three tones of laundry soap, 200 litres of cooking oil, 250 bags of maize flour, 500 bails of sugar, 400 litres of chlorine and 40 bags of beans.

He also went to Mtunthama State Lodge to honor several Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials with medals for their endurance during such a trial times the party and its leadership went through.

President Mutharika Walks Down Memory Lane of 2013

Visits and Paint His Detention Cells at Lumbadzi and Maula Prison In Commemoration of 2nd Anniversary of His Arrest in March 2013

Pres. Mutharika

The State President Arthur Peter Mutharika is this Wednesday March 11, 2015 commemorating 2nd anniversary of  his arrest in 2013.

President Mutharika programme includes a trip down memory lane to see the prison cell in which he was once detained in 2013 that is in Lumbadzi and Maula Prison cells.