LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DDP) leader Peter Mutharika snubbed President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tigwirane Manja operation meeting on Tropical Cyclone Freddy response for former heads of state.
Former Presidents including Joyce Banda and Bakili Muluzi attended the meeting on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at Kamuzu Palace in the capital Lilongwe.
When Chakwera sent invitations, Mutharika demanded neutral place for the meeting not at State House.
Many DPP sympathisers told Mutharika not to attend the meeting arguing that it was Chakwera’s political gimmick saying he has bunch of advisors whom could get advices not former heads of state.
After the meeting this what Chakwera said; “On my second stint in the Southern Region for more assessment of Cyclone Freddy damage, I have engaged former heads of State who I cordially invited to tap into their pool of knowledge and global social capital as we seek short and long term remedies for our people.
Excellencies Dr. Bakili Muluzi and Dr. Joyce Banda, have presented valuable insights on how best we can provide immediate relief to the displaced then rebuild resiliently against climate-induced disasters.
In the spirit of Operation Tigwirane Manja, the two eminent citizens have pledged to support all efforts lined up by government in providing necessary respite to affected communities.
I am humbled to receive such support from the two statespersons”.
As of March 22, 2023, the number of displaced people is at 562,415 with 576 camps set to accommodate the displaced.
The death toll is at 511 with 1,332 injuries.
The number of reported missing persons is at 533 from 537, with four bodies of missing persons recovered
