MCP’s Mlomo ditches anti-Chakwera camp

Former Malawi Congress Party (MCP) regional chairperson Daniel Mlomo has ditched the party’s faction which was calling for fresh convention and ouster of party president Lazarus Chakwera.

Mlomo was leading a group of disgruntled former regional and district chairpersons who took the party to court to call for a fresh convention.

Speaking at a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Lilongwe yesterday, Mlomo said it was time for the party to unite and bury its differences.

Quizzed on what has prompted the change of heart, Mlomo was at pains to say why he was withdrawing his demands of leadership change, saying he believes time has come for the party to move on and focus on national issues.

“I personally feel we have now presented our grievances and the party has listened to them. Not every concern can be addressed in a day but they will eventually be addressed. Let’s give the party some chance,” said Mlomo.

He also was at pains to say why he has not communicated directly to his colleagues, but opted for a media briefing.

Efforts to talk to some members of the anti-Chakwera faction proved futile.

MCP deputy secretary general Eisenhower Mkaka said the party was welcoming back all who had disagreed with its leadership due to its belief in contact and dialogue.

“We are happy he has made this decision, and we appeal for unity. We know, as a party, hope that unity will ensure that as a party we focus on preparing to help Malawians over the various challenges they are facing,” said Mkaka.

The move comes after the High Court in Lilongwe recently quashed an application by some of the party’s former chairpersons to call for an early convention as well as to challenge the party’s decision to hold elections in their areas.