Legal Affairs Committee Enhancing Laws On Inviting President In Standing Orders

The Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs is enhancing two Constitution provisions on the procedure of calling President to Parliament to be clearly stipulated in Parliamentary Standing Orders.

The aim is to make comprehensive Standing Order that members can correctly refer to when calling President to Parliament to respond to their questions.

The process follows failed attempt by five legislatures who includes Leader of Opposition and President of Malawi Congress Party, Lazarus Chakwera to force President Peter Mutharika appear in the just ended Meeting of National Assembly to answer their questions as it was noted in the House that legislatures had wrongly quoted the provisions.

Deputy Chairperson for the Committee, Maxwell Thyolera explained that the committee is enhancing two Constitution provisions Section 89 (3)(c) and 89 (4) to enable legislatures to quote them correctly by clearly show in Standing Orders under which time each of the provision can be applied when calling the President. 

Both Constitution provision outlines procedures for the time the President is supposed to come to Parliament and to answer questions from members.

Under 89 (3) (c) it is mandatory that before the House consider budget, the president should come to answer questions and policies of Government. And therefore, where the president is required to respond to questions in accordance with the provisions of Section 89 (3) (c) of the Constitution, he or she may not delegate such functions to a member of the Cabinet. While section 89 (4) President can be summoned at any time by the motion of the House, however, during that time President can delegate a Cabinet Minister. 

But during the just ended 3rd Meeting of the 46 Session of National Assembly both constitutional provisions were interchangeably used by members when calling the President and this is why members had insisted to see President in the House and not delegated Minister yet this was not a period that was mandatory for the Parliament to invite the President. 

“During other meetings the president can be summoned by the resolution of the House. So, under that constitution provision there was no any standing order to support that and this is why during the last meeting there were some problems where others were confusing the two provisions because the other one was operationalised  by the standing order 70 while the second on section 89 (4) was not operationalized.” noted Thyolera

“So what we are doing now, is to operationalise both sections section 89 (3) (c) and 89 (4) so that may be things could go on smoothly the president should be called to Parliament when need be.” He added

He then urged Presidents to comply to these two constitutional provisions “This is a constitutional provision and the president before assuming the office is sworn to defend the constitution and is a custodian of the constitution. So, it is our expectation that the constitution will be respected in that respect.”

He also added that the committee has proposed inclusion in the new provision in the standing order 67 so that members can be free to ask five questions and five supplementary questions. Another section 89 (4) the similar procedure of allowing members to ask five questions and five supplementary questions will apply. And we are proposing to invite President on Wednesdays for one and a half hour session”

Former VP Kachali, Kamlepo, Makowa Mwale Questions Put On Hold Until President Avail In The House

The Malawi former Vice President, Khumbo Kachale, Kamlepo Kalua and Everson Andrew Makowa Mwale have joined opposition leader, Lazarus Chakwera by reserving their questions until President Peter Mutharika finds time to avail himself in the House to answer their questions.

Questions directed to President from both Kachali legislature for Mzimba South-West and Kamlepo for Rumphi East are on status of food situation in the country while question from Makowa Mwale for Nkhotakota-South East is on progress to identify a cash crop that replaces tobacco.

Minister of Agriculture, Allan Chiyembekeza was delegated to answer the questions although they were seeking direct reply from the President in the House.

Before reserving his question on Friday afternoon just before the House moved the motion to adjourn Sine Die, former vice president Khumbo Kachali sought guidance of Speaker of the National Assembly, Richard Msowoya if the President act to delegate Minister was not contravening Standing Order of 2013 (201) "Where the President is required to respond to questions in accordance with the provision of section 89 (3C) of the constitution he or she may not delegate such functions to a member of Cabinet." 

However, Speaker guided Kachali that the cited section of Constitution provision, chapter 89 .3 further indicates that the President shall respond to questions only when he is addressing the House each year before the consideration of the official budget where he report on the future policies of Government and the policies of the previous year.

“That is what in Parliamentary language is termed as State of the National Address. And during that time the President shall not delegate questions." He said, "Under any other provision, whether the House does request the president to come through resolution or would like the president to come at any point to answer a question not related to provision 89 .3, he is allowed to delegate the questions.” Clarified the Speaker

Accepting the ruling by the speaker, Khumbo said "I will reserve my question until when I see the President in this Honorable House. I know he is a busy person but he will find time"

Kalua: President not to Minister 

When time came for Kamlepo Kalua to ask his question, he  stood to say; "My question is to ask the President not a Minister, to explain to the Nation, the President not the Minister, through this House about the food situation in this country. The President, not the Minister." He said, "And I will go with the decision of the other two speakers that it will be a waste of time for me to ask the Minister when I said the President... this question is directed to the President..."

Nkhotakota South East, Everson Andrew Makowa Mwale also opted to chose the decision made by Kachali and Kaua.

“What Nkhotakota-South East was looking for is HE's perspective" he said, "If the Minister replies, there will be some supplementary questions that honorable ministers will be in a position to consult the President to get his perspective on those supplementary questions so I therefore I would like to pend my question until the President avail himself to answer it"

On Wednesday, Leader of Opposition, Lazarus Chakwera also reserved his question to President on the same reason that he would rather wait until such a time the President avail himself in the House to answer the question. 

These reactions prompted Minister of Health Peter Kumpalume to ask Speaker if the House would prefer the President to write response then read in the House by the Minister and if the House feels that the Ministers are too general to answer questions.

Responding to the first question the speaker's said, that will be another form of delegating question.

But the Finance Minister, Goodall Gondwe also stood to express point that it would not dignify the President to come in the House to answer questions because there would be some follow up questions that may just be asked to humiliate the President.

Mutharika Asks Huawei Mobile To Bring Knowledge To Malawi

Mutharika with Mr. Wan Wei

Malawi President Professor Peter Mutharika yesterday asked one of the largest smart phone companies, Huawei Technologies to start training Malawians to assemble some of its gadgets particularly phones.

Mutharika made the call when he visited Huawei pavilion during the launch of the Buy Malawi Strategy in Lilongwe.

Huawei was one of the sponsors for the event held at Bingu International Conference Centre.

When he visited the pavilion Mutharika asked Mr. Wan Wei, Managing Director for the company in Malawi ‘’You assemble them here?’’ then he asked ‘’I encourage you to train local people to bring the knowledge and technology in order to create jobs and exports’’

This is pictorial focus of the Launch of Buy Malawi Strategy

Mutharika lift Buy Malawi Strategy booklet

Honara dance 

Mutharika visits Fadet pavilion 

Mutharika interacting with Ministry of Industry and Trade
officials  

Mutharika speaking to Mtalimanja Holdings Limited

Vimbuza dance

Chakwera Puts Question On Hold; Wants To Quiz President Mutharika In The House Face To Face

Govt. Says President Not Coming 

Chakwera shaking hands with Peter Mutharika

The Malawi Congress Party President and Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly on Wednesday said will wait for President Peter Mutharika to come in the House so he can ask and talk face to face on problems facing the country.

The Lilongwe North West legislature, Lazarus Chakwera, has put his question on hold and is appearing on Order Pater under Questions on notice to the President for Oral Replies under section 89 (4) of the Constitution of Malawi and Standing Order 70.

“We know that the President has busy schedules and could not come. I asked this question in order to engage the President in this House as prescribed by law since we always interact with Ministers, I therefore do not mind to wait until such a time as he is free to answer my question” Chakwera informed Deputy Speaker, Clement Chiwaya in the House followed by a very loud applause from opposition side

His question appearing on the order paper reads “To ask the President why there is seemingly lack of action when all the economic indicators- inflation, exchange rate, economic growth, etc are pointing in reverse direction. Leadership is doing nothing tangible, claiming it is everyone’s responsibility. Is this not abdicating your policy and its execution according to the Malawi Constitution, Articles 7 and 13 (e).

Chakwera reacted this way because President Peter Mutharika had delegated Minister of Finance Goodall Gondwe as person fit to respond to the question.

Later in an interview, Chakwera maintained his stand he would rather wait to ask his question until such a time the Malawi President has time to come to the National Assembly to respond to his question.

He said his call for President to avail in the House was in accordance with laws that the president is a member of parliament. 

“So our desire has been to meet the president on matters of national importance. When we were informed that he is not able to come and has delegated which is in accordance with his powers, I for one decided that I would rather have him come because they would be follow up questions that ministers would not necessarily deal with when such questions are posed to the president.” Said Chakwera who reiterated that he wants to meet and interact with the president in the House

Kasaila; Chakwera question is general 

Leader of House, Francis Kasaila in an interview explained that Chakwera question is not related to Presidents’ own statement made in the House and therefore does not fall in category of questions that necessitate President to respond by himself. But he said in this case the law accepts that the President should delegate the minister. 

“The President had used his prerogative to delegate the Minister of Finance to respond to the question relating to Finance” indicates Kasaila

Mutharika has not addressed thr House recently 

“It is a general question” he said referring to the question made by Chakwera, then explains “The President has not addressed the House recently, and therefore according to the law, he can only come and respond to the question himself when that question is emanating from his own speech. That is what the law is saying. And therefore there is nothing irregular, and the questions that we have are all specific to relevant ministries and the President decided that the ministers should be able to answer those questions.” Explains Kasaila

When asked if he simply means the President is not coming in the House to respond his reply was “For this questions yes”

There are four questions in total that are posed to the President but will be answered by the Minister if the President will not come.

Leader of House also interrupted the Deputy Speaker, Clement Chiwaya and directed him not to continue with Questions on notice to the President as the Business Committee had agreed only to respond to Chakwera’s question on Wednesday.

“The agreement was, today we will respond to the question from the Leader of Opposition and on Friday (respond to other three questions), because the minister who has been delegated to respond to those is not in the Chamber. That was the agreement in the Business Committee” he said

Below are other three questions waiting for President Peter Mutharika’s response through delegated minister

1. Honorable Khumbo Kachali, Mzimba South-West legislature “To ask the President to explain what Government is doing about the critical shortage and unavailability of maize stocks in most ADMARC Depots and markets across the country, which has resulted in people walking a long distances for them to reach the ADMARC Markets in order to buy maize. For example, Mjinge, Edingeni, Mquocha, and Kapolo, just to mention a few in Mzimba South-West Constituency are located at a radius of about 40 kilometres away from the main ADMARC Depots at Mzimba Boma where unfortunately they spend days and nights without getting maize, inspite of assurances from the Ministry of Agriculture officials that maize would be made available, the problem still exists.”
2. Hon Kamlepo Kaua of Rumphi East “To ask the President to explain to the Nation, through this House about the food situation in this country.”
3. Nkhota-Kota South East legislature, Hon E.A Makowa also wanted to ask “To ask the President why as a nation we seem not to be making progress on identifying a new crop or crops to replace tobacco as our main cash crop. Demand for tobacco products nationally and internationally is on the decline due to the massive international campaign that is being waged against the crop on health grounds and, therefore, our reliance o tobacco as a cash crop is doomed. What plans, strategies and time frame does the State President have to fast track process?”

Kabwila Arrested: To Spend Night At Kanengo Police As Chakhwantha Seek Asylum At Germany Embassy

MCP supporters and MPs at
Area 30 Police Headquarters 

MPs discussing next move \after
Overpowering police 

Member of Parliament and top official from opposition Malawi Congress Party Jessie Kabwila has been arrested by Police while another parliamentarian and top member of the party Peter Chakhwantha is to spend nights at Germany Embassy where he is as an asylum seeker.

Police vehicle was seen
hidden parked
outsidParliament building after clashes with MPs

Kabwila and Chakhwantha were in hiding following reports alleging the two together with other members of MCP were involved in Whatsapp conversation strategising ways to overthrow Peter Mutharik Governmnet.

Police mounted roadblock at parliament building after reports spread that the two are out from their hiding and were inside attending the National Assembly deliberations.

Both Kabwila and Chakhwantha were in the day attending the first day National Assembly deliberations meeting which have began on Monday afternoon.

Kabwila was attempting to enter Germany Embassy when Police intercepted her at Tourism offices in City Centre just steps away to the Germany Embassy. Her arrest came few minutes after Chakhwantha had successfully entered the embassy house.

The arrest came just after Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security had assured the House that legislatures should not be afraid of the roadblocks mounted outside the parliament building when speaker of the National Assembly Richard Msowoya asked the minister to assure the House that members will not be intimidated and arrested when coming and leaving the building.

The speaker requested the assurance from the Minister following a concern from Lilongwe Msodzi South legislature, Hon Vitus Dzoole Mwale who informed the House that “We are under siege”

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jean Kalirani said “What I am aware is that there is visibility of police around the country and is very important. I would like to assure you Honorable Speaker Sir, that there is nothing to fear if you have done nothing wrong.”

Immediately when the deliberations were adjourned to Tuesday, angry opposition MPs led by MCP members wrestled with Police outside the Parliament Building and successfully dismantled their roadblock. 

Legislatures then were seen in discussions and agreed to go to Area 30 Police Headquarters upon hearing rumors that Kabwila was there.

At Area 30, opposition MPs together with Malawi Congress Party supporters held protests outside the gate of the Police headquarters. They prevented any vehicle from entering or leaving the place and a driver suspected to be one of the senior police officers was about to be manhandled by the angry party supporters when he attempted to drive his vehicle and pass the through the gate.

Gustave Kaliwo

30 minutes later, the protesters left the place for Kanengo Police Station when Police informed MCP Secretary General, Gustave Kaliwo that  Kabwila was being detained there.

The two have been hunted by police following Whatsapp conversation allegedly bearing their phone numbers and of some MCP officials discussing ways to oust Peter Mutharika Government. However, police on Sunday failed to arrest them because they were nowhere to be seen. But they successfully managed to arrest Ulemu Msungama who is now on police bail over similar charges. 

Gustave Kaliwo, MCP secretary General said was disappointed with police that after being assured not to arrest the two until the 2nd Meeting Of 46th Session of National Assembly was over had went on with plans to arrest the two.

He described Kabwila arrest as political.

President Mutharika Invites American Companies To Invest In Malawi: Meets Six US Congressmen

As Malawi continues to market to the global community its endowed resources and investiment opportunities, President Peter Mutharika on Friday asked American investors to come and invest in Malawi.

Mutharika was speaking in Lilongwe when meeting with a Six member delegation of Republican Senators and Representatives from the United States of America who were on five hour visit to Malawi. The members of Congress are on their trip to some African Countries.

Mutharika informed the Congressmen that there are investment opportunities in Malawi that the country is seeking investors from around the globe. He therefore invited American Investors to come to explore opportunities in Malawi and also to participate in the second Malawi Investment Forum to be hosted later this year in October.

"We are hosting the second Malawi Investment Forum this year possibly on 11th October and it will be bigger. So I would like to call American companies to come" said Mutharika

He said Malawi is wooing investors across the globe because this is one way that will make the country to move away from donor dependece to an economically independent nation.

"We want to move away from aid dependency to economic independence" said Mutharika further expressing hope that through its investiment goals Malawi will attain economic independence in few years time

Malawi leader also thanked American Government through the delegation for continued support to Malawi Government in areas of human rights, economy, energy, and peace and security through bilateral and multilateral support. 

He further thanked US Government for the support in the fight against HIV and AIDS. He mentioned that US government has been influential in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Malawi and expressed hope and determination that through such support Malawi will achieve ending the pandemic by 2030. He addes that the country has already demonstrated its willingness to achieve this by putting many people on ART treatment and being the first country to adopt Option B+. 

He further thanked American Government for the humanitarian assistance to Malawians who experience floods that hit most parts of the country early last year. 

"United States of America continues to to play an instrumental role in Africa and Malawi." Added President Mutharika

Senator James Inhofe, a ranking member senate of armed services Committee said the visit to Malawi was to appreciate number of achievements the country is making.

Inhofe added that USA Government consider Malawi as one of its strong friend.

US Ambassador to Malawi Virginia Palmer hinted that the coming of these Senators was also to appreciate the impact of US government assistance to Malawi.

The five hour visit to Malawi  by the delegation had first stop-over in Tanzania and are proceeding to Rwanda and Ethiopia.

The six Congressmen are: U.S. Senator James Inhofe R-OK, a ranking member on the Senate Armed Services Committee; Mike Enzi R. WY, Republican leader of the Sub Committee on Children and Families; Mike Rounds, Services on the Senate Armed Services; Rep. Randy Hultgren, Services on the Financial and Science, Space and Technology Committees; Rep. Tim Welberg and Rep. Reid Ribble.

Scottish Govt Donates K63 Billion To Malawi Towards Food Response

Mutharika and Mundell

Government of Scotland says is going to assist Malawi with £4.5 million translating to K63 billion,  to assist the country on humanitarian response for the population which was adversely affected by droughts and floods.

David Mundell, MP, Secretary of State for Scotland told Journalists after holding camera talks with President Peter Mutharika at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe that Scotland would like to help Malawi with money which will be used to buy food for the flood victims.

"We are increasing our humanitarian support to Malawi by donating £ 4.5 million. This support is for the procurement of food for the people who are facing hunger due to floods" 

He explained that Scottish Government is through this humanitarian response going to work with the World Food Programme (WFP) in the procurement and distribution of the food to vulnerable Malawians.

This announcement brings the UK’s humanitarian support in Malawi since October 2015 to £14.5m. In total, the UK’s £14.5m support will ensure:  The World Food Programme (WFP) can deliver emergency food packages including basic rations of maize and nutrient-rich cereals for over 800,000 people;  UNICEF can undertake mass screening of up to 800,000 children to identify urgent nutritional support needs;  A Save the Children-led consortium can provide small cash transfers to over 450,000 people to buy basic food supplies for their families at food markets, helping stimulate local maize and other food markets.  WFP and UNICEF can provide specialist supplies for up to 140,000 people suffering from acute malnutrition, including children under five, pregnant women and people who are HIV-positive or suffering from tuberculosis;  Vital protection support to vulnerable people, including women and girls, in displacement and refugee camps through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees  Support to improve livelihoods for some of the most vulnerable households, including vaccinations for over 150,000 livestock through the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization.

Mundell also promised that Scottish Government will continue to support Malawi in several areas including health, education agriculture among others.

"Even though there might be some changes in donors approach but UK will continue with its support to support Malawi through number of areas that it is supporting. We are supporting the building blocks of Malawi but we rely on Malawians to lead the self efficiency” he added

During talks with President Mutharika, the Scottish Secretary of State said his Government welcomes Malawi's agenda of reforms and investments and expressed hope that investors from Scotland will also look into investment opportunities that Malawi has and hoped that president Mutharika's visit to Scotland later this year will offer opportunity for him to connect with prospective investors.

Scottish Secretary of state said was delighted to be in Malawi and believes that his visit will strength ties with Malawi and also promised that Scotland will “remain strong partner of Malawi”

The news of this assistance has been warmly welcomed by Malawi Government.

Minister of Foreign Affairs George Chaponda described the Scottish Government gesture as "true friend indeed"

"On behalf of Malawi Government I would like to appreciate the Scottish Government for this timely assistance."

He said this support will go along way at this time when the country is still looking for humanitarian support for 2.8 million people who are in need of food support following the adverse climate condition which caused reduction in food production in the country.

Chaponda further noted that as government is trying its best to make available of maize through ADMARC, therefore the support from Scotland will further give assurance of food availability throughout the year.


Earlier, President Peter Mutharika described the visit as “Clear testimony for cordial and bilateral relations with Scotland”


He said Malawi continues to enjoy long history with Scotland of 175 years and also appreciates continued support it receives from Scotland through Malawi Scotland Partnership and in number of areas including health, education among others.


He informed the Scottish Minister of climatic challenges that Malawi is experiencing to extent that there is significant reduction in country's food production as well as how his government is tirelessly trying to resolve the problem among others by crop diversification and taking several measures that mitigates climate change effects.


"We had unprecedented floods in some parts of the country, and dry spells in others. Consequently our national output dwindled significantly. So reduced , was the amount of food and export crop, and this led to significant macroeconomic challenges. My government appealed for humanitarian food assistance to the tune of US$146 million to avert the critical food shortages and so far, we have received support approximately US$100 million, with a shortfall of US$46 million.We are still looking for additional support to close the gap.


In our view, in order to avert the perennial droughts and dry spells, my government needs to aggressively embark on diversifying our economy through, among others, revamping the irrigation sub sector, through the Green Belt Initiative (GBI)." He said


He further mentioned number of measures on macro-economic stability to restore Malawi economy now going through difficult time.


"On the macroeconomic side, our low export earnings have translated into high inflation, high interest rates and depreciating currency. My government has, therefore, put in place measures to restore macroeconomic stability, through tight fiscal and monetary policies, as well as expediting implementation of Public Financial Management Reforms.


He continued "My government is prioritising skills development among our youth, through the establishment of Technical Community Colleges. This is to take advantage of the youth bulge of our country and ensure that they are properly trained and skilled to contribute better to economic growth. We believe this is an area too that Scotland can support us.


Honourable Minister, we will certainly invite Scotland to assist Malawi in industrial and technological development, through technical assistance and capacity building programmes." He said and appealed that further support from Scotland in all these areas to Malawi is welcome.


"My government also aims at improving our ranking on Cost of Doing Business. I am pleased to report, Honourable Minister, that for the first time in many years, Malawi has made recognisable improvements. According to the World Bank Business Index for 2016, Malawi has now been ranked 141 from 164 out of the 189 global economies. However, our main target is to achieve 100 top ranking as soon as possible." He said


He among others highlighted his Government efforts of wooing investors into the country and said Malawi recall promise made by Scottish investors and and that the Scottish Government agreed to set up an investment fund named ‘The African Lakes Corporation’ in memory of John and Fredrick Moir, to promote Scottish investments to Malawi. He, therefore said is hopeful that this initiative will be realized soon.


The Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell, will make a three-day visit to Malawi from 16 th to 18 th February 2016. Mr Mundell’s visit will further promote the strong ties between the UK and Malawi, and the close historical and modern relationship between Malawi and Scotland in particular.


While in Malawi, Mr Mundell will meet staff and partner organisations working to deliver the £80m UK Aid development programme, including those involved in providing the humanitarian response to Malawi’s current maize shortage. Mr Mundell will also meet a wide range of individuals and groups who contribute to the breadth of the UK - Malawi bilateral relationship, and those involved in promoting ever deeper Scotland – Malawi ties, such as the Malawi- Scotland Partnership.


He will also launch the next phase of the British Council’s Connecting Classrooms programme, which has included exchanges with schools in Scotland.


In his engagements with the Malawi Government, Mr Mundell is expected to highlight close cooperation with Malawi across a range of bilateral, regional and international issues and to encourage progress on the process of wide-ranging reform under the Government of President Mutharika.

MAM Investing In Irrigation Farming With Middle East Partners Support

Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) is ready to invest in Irrigation farming with support from Middle East.

The local Islamic body disclosed this on Thursday at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe when meeting President Peter Mutharika to introduce their visitor from, Revival Islamic Heritage Society of Kuwait, Chairperson for Africa, Sheikh Dr. Jasim Al-Ainati. The Middle East delegate is in the country on distribution of relief and food items to flood victims and supervise projects they are funding trough MAM.

Chairperson for Trustees of MAM, Sheik Ali Kenedy, told president Mutharika that the visitation of their Middle East delegate will benefit both Malawi Muslims and Government 

“If government can ask anything, our delegate from Meddle East is ready to support”

It was later elaborated by Sheik Dinala Chabulika, Publicity Secretary for MAM after close discussions with President Mutharika that the Middle East delegate through Revival Islamic Heritage Society of Kuwait is willing to support Malawi in ending hunger by responding to Government desire to see more investments in the irrigation farming.

“As you are aware, Government is encouraging investments in irrigation farming so that we stop heavy reliance in the rain-fed agriculture, our delegate is willing to bring big investments in agriculture especially in irrigation farming across the country.” Confirmed Chabulika 

Earlier, President Peter Mutharika said he is delighted with long and steady cordial relationship that exists between MAM and Government.

He said current relationship is vital because both Government and MAM are working together supporting Malawians.

“My government and the Muslim Association of Malawi have long standing cordial relationship. Together we contribute to the fullness of humanity, by providing for the body and the soul. Let me assure you of my personal support, and that of my government to you, and that the good working relationship which has existed between my government and the Muslim community, will continue for the benefit of all Malawians,” he said.

“It is important that we hold our hands together for the development of this country” said Mutharika emphasizing that everyone must take part in providing solution to challenges facing the country.

In his remarks Sheikh Jasim Al-Ainati, commended good bilateral relations between Governments of Malawi and of Kuwait which he said is traced way back during Guulf wars when Malawi supported Kuwait earnestly.

He said it was through this background that Kuwait Government and the Revival Islamic Heritage Society of Kuwait did not hesitate to respond to floods and drought calamity faced by Malawi early January, 2015.

He therefore promised unwavering support to Malawi problems.

Sheikh Al-Ainati is visiting the country to distribute food and relief items to victims of floods across the country and to supervise all MAM projects supported by Revival Islamic Heritage Society of Kuwait which includes construction of Mosques, boreholes among others.

Malawi SDA Church Meets President Mutharika: Commit To Support Govt In Development

The Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church assures Government of total support to the development of Malawi.

The delegation of the church leadership was on Thursday meeting President Peter Mutharika at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe with an aim of introducing to him the newly transitioned leadership from SDA Malawi Union Mission to the SDA Malawi Conference Union.

When introducing the new leadership, President for the SDA Malawi Union Conference Pastor Frackson Kayoma said SDA church will continue to work with Government in various development projects that the church is implementing countrywide.

He said apart from spiritual services, the SDA church is supporting Government through various projects and programmes including offering education, health and women welfare and rights services.

Said Kayoma, "Seventh Day Adventist Church under this new leadership is committed to work with you in the development of this nation"

He assured the president of the church earnest prayers for the good leadership and health and also thanked Mutharika for guaranteeing the Church freedom of worship.

"We thank you, Your Excellency for providing us conducive environment of freedom of worship in this country. This assures us that we have a God fearing leader" he added

In his remarks president Mutharika commended the SDA church for its number of development projects which are supporting his government goals and aspirations.

"As Government, we will do all we can to improve the welfare of the people" he said

"Government recognises the role of the church for both spiritual and wellbeing of the people.

My Government will continue to create space for churches to worship freely"

He also congratulated the SDA Church for the transition from SDA Malawi Union Mission to the SDA Malawi Conference Union. He said this shows that the church is going on the path for self independence.

The SDA Church since  12th June 2015 transitioned from SDA Malawi Union Mission to the SDA Malawi Conference Union. The transition means that the SDA Church in Malawi is independent in its affairs.

President Mutharika Warns On Rampant Theft Of Maize In ADMARC Depots

President Peter Mutharika sent a warning on Wednesday against rampant theft on Government maize in ADMARC depots which has now created shortage of maize in most depots.

Reports indicate that some ADMARC officials are conniving together with some maize vendors to buy ADMARC maize at night and sell it to poor Malawians elsewhere at very exorbitant prices and in some places the  maize prices are as high as Fifteen Thousand kwacha per 50kg bag, and those who cannot find maize at ADMARC or fail to afford such exorbitant prices are left

starving.

"It is with considerable sadness that I address you today because what is happening to the maize at ADMARC depots is totally unacceptable." Said Mutharika

He expressed his deepest disappointment to hear reports of maize scarcity in ADMARC depots just few months after Government procured and received enough maize to cater for everyone’s needs particularly 2.8 million people who needs food support.

"Most sadly, I have been told that there is critical shortage of maize at many ADMARC depots. I am further informed

that some ADMARC officials are conniving together with some criminal maize vendors, who buy ADMARC maize at night and sell it to poor Malawians elsewhere at very exorbitant prices. In some places poor Malawians are

forced to buy this maize at Fifteen Thousand kwacha per 50kg bag, because

they cannot find maize at ADMARC. Consequently some of them are now

starving. This is outrageous and most criminal. It is moral

recklessness which I am not going to tolerate, or allow to continue." He said 

He then warn "I must

warn everyone strongly that such atrocities by criminal ADMARC maize vendors have got to stop immediately."

He said Police have been instructed "to investigate thoroughly, and take vigorous action." 

"If they catch you, you will go to jail. So you better stop right away." warns Mutharika further indicating that Police will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that these culprits do not return on the scene to steal more maize.

"I am appeal to all decent Malawians to examine their moral conscience and reflect deeply." He added

"I have repeatedly talked

about patriotism, hard work and integrity. Because of hard work and careful planning, my government bought this maize through ADMARC at much higher costs for you to buy only at Five Thousand Five Hundred Kwacha (MK5,500) per 50kg. In effect, these thieves are therefore stealing this maize from you. If you are as morally outraged as I am, don’t just sit and wait for what the government and police shall do for you. 

I want you to know that you can and must do something. The police are carrying out their duties to track and arrest these thieves. On your part, you know where these thieves

are and where they hide or sell the stolen maize. You know the ADMARC officials with whom they are conniving. I want you to report them all to the police immediately. The police will handle the information

confidentially so that these culprits will never know who turned them in." Appeals Mutharika then assured all Malawians that together with the help, police shall apprehend and arrest all the wrongdoers as a result this shall make maize to be

available in ADMARC depots for all who genuinely need to buy it.

Mutharika has also assured that ADMARC, will continue to replenish the maize stocks and there is additional money to buy more maize if needed. 

A total of 2.8 million people representing 17% of the country’s total population was declared to be at risk of hunger for the period of 2015/2016 following adverse weather conditions early 2015 which resulted in declined maize production and other food crops across the country.

An assessment by the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC), carried out in June and July, 2015, the situation required humanitarian food to support the affected people was 124,183MT of maize equivalence.

Recent Government statement indicated that International Community assisted the country amounting to about US$91million but there was still a shortfall of US$55.378 million for hunger response. 

To stabilize the price of the commodity on the market through ADMARC the Malawi government also, using its own resources, bought 30,000MT of maize from Zambia for ADMARC at a cost of K2.8 billion, and 22,193MT of maize locally at a cost of K2.6 billion.

China For Malawi’s Economic Independence

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi said China will continue to support Malawi to gain full economic independence.

Honorable Wang Yi, was speaking at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Sunday during an audience with Malawi President Peter Mutharika.

Malawi Election Into UNAIDS Board ‘PCB’ To Increase Global Efforts In HIV Response

Malawi’s election into the UNAIDS Board, ‘Programme Coordinating Board (PCB)’ gives hope to UNAIDS that more countries will learn best practices in HIV fight, as the country becomes a global role model for number of achievements in its HIV response programme.

Ms Jan Beagle, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, made the observation on Tuesday morning, when meeting President Peter Mutharika at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.

President Mutharika Hails MW, UNAIDS Partnership: Pledged To End HIV By 2030

Mutharika with Beagle 

The Malawi President, Peter Mutharika on Tuesday said close collaboration between Government and the UNAIDS is propelling the country to continue registering tremendous success in the fight against HIV and AIDS and committed to end HIV by 2030 if working partnership continues with a clear and focused vision, and human-rights centred approach.

Mutharika was speaking at Kamuzu Palace in the Capital City, Lilongwe during his meeting with the UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Ms Jan Beagle.

“To me and my government, UNAIDS is a distinguished leader in the global HIV and AIDS response, and our close collaboration has borne positive results for global health and development” said President Mutharika 

With UNAIDS support, Mutharika said Malawi has gained its global reputation in the scaling up HIV treatment program considerably and pioneer the “Option B+” program. He indicated that coverage for HIV treatment has increased by 82 percent since 2011 as the country has now over 600,000 people on Anti-retroviral therapy.

“Indeed, more than half of the estimated 1.1 million Malawians living with HIV are on treatment. Perhaps, one of our most notable achievements, is that Malawi has achieved a 67 percent decline in Mother-to-Child infections. This is the highest decline achieved for all the 22 high priority countries in the world, as you may be aware.

New HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths have also fallen rapidly. These are significant achievements.” He said 

He therefore thanked UNAIDS for providing technical assistance to Malawi Government on the development of the Global Fund proposal as well as the development of Malawi’s new National Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS and Malawi’s Prevention Strategy which earned Malawi the first country in the world to embrace the UNAIDS targets of 90.90.90. 

Malawi leader further expressed thanks for technical and financial assistance together with UNFPA and UNICEF, rendered  to the First Lady’s’ program which includes children and young women and girls in the HIV response, and address cervical cancer.

“UNAIDS is working at all levels of government and society to support my Government to inspire Malawians about the fact that it is possible to end AIDS. This is in tandem with my government’s ideal for a people-centred government.” Added Mutharika

While reaffirming his commitment to strengthening efforts towards universal treatment eligibility in April this year, the Malawi leader also committed that the country will compliment support getting from donors by making a domestic contribution of $8.5 million to procure ARVs for the period 2015 to 2017 as one way of addressing HIV and AIDS in the country.

“These are hard earned resources and I am making demonstrable efforts to ensure they are managed in a transparent and accountable manner.” Said President Mutharika

He also expressed his commitment to continue mobilize and encourage young people to adopt responsible behaviour in preventing and managing HIV after a year since he signed the global Heads of State football to pledge his support for the “Protect the Goal” Campaign.

In her remarks, the UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Ms Jan Beagle said international community admires and respect Malawi Government for scaling up efforts on prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child by being the first country to adopt the Option B+ (a new guideline on the use of Antiretroviral Treatment (ART). 

She agreed with President Mutharika that the HIV Programme that Malawi is pioneering on putting HIV positive pregnant and lactating women on life-long ARV to prevent infections among children and to keep children alive, has indeed helped the country to achieve highest decline of new HIV infections in babies among the 22 high burden countries globally.

Beagle said significant strides like drastic reduction in HIV related deaths including placing HIV issues into the National Strategic Plan have accorded the country to a status of a role model in the fight against HIV globally.

“These achievements are not only significant to Malawi but also a signal to other countries to follow the same” she added

While encouraging the country to continue using HIV resources and invest wisely to achieve results, Beagle has commended Malawi for showing commitment to “invest HIV resources wisely” and that the recent largest per capita allocation from Global Fund affirms international admiration for Malawi’s commitment on this course.

But she urged Malawi to keep HIV on agenda and integration of HIV issues by looking at other diseases like cervical cancer.

Later, Ms Beagle also met with the First Lady, Madame Gertrude Mutharika who is also the Vice President for Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA), who expressed her appreciation on number of areas that UNAIDS is supporting her.

“I am thankful for the support rendered in the implementation of activities for the OAFLA work plan. Through your support, I have mobilized resources for Point of Care Machines for Early Infant Diagnosis and dual HIV and syphilis test kits” she said and further mention the launching of a stop cervical cancer campaign as some of activities carried out with UNAIDS support.

She further informed the UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Ms Beagle that OAFLA Malawi is keen to address HIV and AIDS among children in line with the goals of the Global Plan, address HIV among young people and to eliminate Cervical Cancer 

Madame Mutharika also assured UNAIDS that as OAFLA and as the country they have embraced the agenda to Fast- Track AIDS response and she is personally committed to meaningful change.

“I have no doubt in my mind that together we can leave the legacy for future where AIDS is no longer a public threat” added Madame Mutharika 

The UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Jan Beagle is in the country for an important visit pertaining to the HIV and AIDS response in Malawi.

Ms Beagle is expected to meet various stakeholders in the HIV/AIDS response including the Civil Society.

President Mutharika Transforms State House Streets: Plants Royal Palm Trees As BEAM, LL City Council Joins Him In Planting Palm Trees Along Presidential Road

• President Peter Mutharika lead state house residents and staff in planting royal palm trees along all streets in the compound
• He then went outside the compound to launch BEAM Trust and Lilongwe City Council project of planting palm trees along presidential road 
• Lilongwe City Mayor, Willie Chapondera welcomes the palm tree project with excitement 

One of the Palm Tree planted by
President Mutharika
along Presidential road

The Malawi State House will have a new face, full of Royal Palm trees along all sides of streets located in the compound as President Peter Mutharika and the First Lady, Madam Gertrude Mutharika leadtate House staff and residents in plan''''ting the trees on Saturday afternoon.

Then after, the first citizen together with first lady, went outside the main gate of state House to commission planting of palm trees along Presidential way, starting from the gate to parliament building, a project jointly being done by Beautify Malawi Trust (BEAM Trust) and the Lilongwe City Council.

Madame Mutharika in summer hat

President Mutharika told the media after commissioning the BEAM Trust and Lilongwe City Council project that him as first citizen was in this exercise walking the talk that everyone should take initiative in planting as many trees as possible during this rainy season.

“My house is right here at the State House, so I felt the need to plant these palm trees from State House and pass the gate all the way to the Parliament so that there will be beautiful trees along the whole road to parliament. This is also part of beautifying Malawi.” Said President Mutharika

He then encouraged all Malawians to plant trees of any type this season and as many as they can.

“If you have a little space, plant a tree there. This will beautify our country as well the planted trees will help to attract rains. So, where ever you are, whether you have a little space, plant any type of tree.”

The Malawi leader, officially launched this years’ National Forestry Season at Masasa Primary School ground in Ntcheu on January 18th, 2016.

This Satuarday, Mutharika expressed his desire for the country to reach to a record of 60 percent and above of the survival of the trees being planted this season against previous records of 50 percent and below. He said he wants to see over one million trees surviving from this tree planting season and he therefore encouraged Malawians that when they plant trees this season they must take good care of them including watering them throughout the year to maximize survival of the tree seedlings. 

Mayamiko Mwinjiro

BEAM Trust Chairperson, Mayamiko Mwinjiro, said in an interview that the joint project with Lilongwe City Council of planting palm trees along Presidential road was one of many projects that BEAM is going to undertake throughout the year in beautifying the Capital City.

 “We are planting palm trees from State House gate all the way to Parliament building and this is just a first phase because we want to do this in several areas within the city of Lilongwe.”

Mwinjiro hinted that the next phase will see BEAM Trust planting palm trees along Kamuzu International Airport road from the junction of M1 road and then transform some of the roundabouts to a completely new face.

“We are going to plant palm trees from M1 Junction all the way to the airport. This is just begging of things, I think in the next three to four weeks we are also going to see roundabout at Capital Hotel being transformed into a complete new roundabout. It will have a certain Malawian theme to it, but it will be very different

When we are done with that one, we are going to move on to Parliament roundabout as well to have it a completely new face so that at least Lilongwe should look different. We plan that, when we reach December 2016 the capital city should be seen as capital city of Malawi” he explains

Mwinjiro also assured that “something” will be done to beautify other three cities of Mzuzu, Blantyre and Zomba. He also added that this year BEAM Trust will be “ambitious beyond the way” it were, last year because it plans to plant beyond 20 thousand trees surpassing last year’s target of planting about 6 thousand trees.

Mayor Willie Chapondera 

Lilongwe City Mayor, Willie Chapondera said he was delighted that the President and BEAM Trust decided to plant palm trees not only from the State House compound but along the presidential way. 

“It is very important because in one way or the other the road will look smart. In some other places that I visited I have seen highways with palm trees, looks good and smart. And what the president has done is a history” said Chapondera

He said the city council has been involved in digging holes and that the project will involve a total of 1500 palm trees.