Coup plot talk irks opposition
More opposition political parties in Malawi on Thursday expressed disappointment over claims by the President and some Cabinet ministers of a coup plot by unnamed people with support from unidentified donors.
The opposition parties, who addressed a news conference in Malawi’s commercial city, Blantyre, said the claims are very serious and should never at any time be carelessly made on a public podium as they create instability in a country that has enjoyed peace and tranquility for many decades.
The opposition leaders included PPM president Mark Katsonga, New Republican Party’s Gwanda Chakuamba, Petra’s Kamuzu Chibambo, Mafunde’s George Nnensa, PP’s Brown Mpinganjira, MDP’s Kamlepo Kalua, Code’s Ralph Kasambara and representatives from Conu and Aford.
During the opening of the Malowa-Goliati-Chiperoni Road in Thyolo last Sunday, President Bingu wa Mutharika claimed the opposition and civil society groups, funded by some donors he did not mention, are planning to organise demonstrations aimed at overthrowing his government.
Katsonga, reading a prepared statement, said: “The leaders of the opposition can only but guess that these loose and cheap coup pronouncements, which are coming at a time when the nation is in social, economic and political dire straits, are aimed at deflecting people’s attention from real issues…”
