US Embassy in Malawi is reportedly denying participating in a plot to unseat the democratically elected President Peter Mutharika and have leader of losing party MCP Lazarus Chakwera take over as their puppet.
Malawi intelligence findings indicate that Lazarus Chakwera was among coup plotters, having set June 2016 as the deadline to have President Mutharika toppled.
The allegations seriously implicate Western Governments including United States top diplomat Virginia Palmer as aiding the plot for hosting meetings at her official residence.
But Edward J. Monster, Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy dismissed the claims and accusations, saying there is no iota of truth. However he did not deny the unsanctioned meetings between Lazarus Chakwera and Virginia Palmer.
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“The U.S. and Malawi enjoy a strong and productive relationship and we intend to continue working closely together for the benefit of the Malawian people,” he added.
The United States says it only supports political transitions that are democratic, constitutional, peaceful and legal.
Meanwhile, ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesman, Francis Kasaila said the governing party expects those names in the alleged “coup” plot should prove their innocence. It is very likely that Lazarus Chakwera and others mentioned will be questioned aggressively by Government intelligence Branch.
“Let them come out and exonerate themselves,” said Kasaila, who is also Minister of Transport and government leader in parliament.
Kasaila admitted during Daybreak Malawi program aired on Capital Radio on Wednesday that the “coup” allegations were serious and government will not take them lightly but follow evidence where it may lead
But Malawi Congress Party (MCP) said allegations that its leader plans to overthrow Mutharika’s government is “fiction.” However Lazarus Chakwera through many forums has encouraged his supporters to say the election of Peter Mutharika was illegitimate as he stole the ballot. This has irritated the DPP and its followers and is likely caused the impetuses for Government to believe the reverend is up to no good.
President Mutharika and his government is grappling with slow If not totally anemic growth and declining Kwacha value. Many people are feeling the effects of the poor economy. Western donors for no apparent reason refuse to prop up the Peter Mutharika Government and thus adding fuel to the fire.
The US and others appear to encourage failure of Peter Mutharika and his government.