By Burnett Munthali
On Saturday, September 21, 2024, former President Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM) appeared on Times TV, where he engaged in a significant dialogue with host Cathy Maulidi and journalist Brian Banda. The conversation delved into the political upheaval of 2019-2020, highlighting themes of regret, forgiveness, and the current political climate in Malawi.
The interview featured Steven Simfukwe, who attended the DPP Mega Rally at Katoto Freedom Park. He openly expressed his regret for participating in the demonstrations during the tumultuous period, admitting that he did not fully grasp the implications of his actions at the time. When Maulidi asked APM if he had forgiven Simfukwe and others involved in the protests, Mutharika affirmed his forgiveness, suggesting a desire for reconciliation.
Brian Banda steered the conversation towards the future, inquiring whether APM was open to working with Timothy Mtambo, now the Vice President of AFORD. Banda referenced an interview where Mtambo expressed willingness to collaborate with the DPP if an electoral alliance were proposed.
Mutharika responded critically, stating that the actions taken by Mtambo, Gift Trapence, Richard Sembereka, and the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) were “totally wrong and unacceptable.” He emphasized that their actions had severely harmed the nation without justification, leaving a lasting impact on its political landscape.
During the interview, APM expressed relief that Mtambo now recognizes the errors of his ways. However, he insisted that such regrets should be accompanied by a sense of shame. He noted the emotional toll of witnessing the chaos caused by the protests, which he deemed as disproportionate to the grievances of that time.
Mutharika further criticized the current Tonse government, questioning why those who protested in 2019-2020 remain silent about the government’s mismanagement. He challenged civil society organizations and religious leaders, asking if they were now unable to speak out against the issues under the current administration. “Are their mouths full of buns?” he provocatively queried, suggesting a hypocrisy in their silence.
When pressed about the possibility of working with Mtambo in the future, APM remained non-committal, stating that such discussions are speculative until an official apology is extended to him. He lamented the painful memories of the protests and the destruction they brought to the country.
The interview underscored APM’s complex feelings regarding past conflicts and the current political environment, illustrating the ongoing struggle for healing and accountability in Malawi’s political sphere. As the nation grapples with its history, APM’s reflections serve as a reminder of the deep scars left by past actions and the cautious path toward potential reconciliation.
