“Tomorrow, Tuesday, he will hold a press conference in Lilongwe from 8 o’clock in the morning.”
Mucunguzi said Sharma talks with Mutharika will touch on a number of issues. He said the Secretary General “will take the opportunity to discuss current political, economic and social developments in the country and explore the range of support the Commonwealth can mobilise”.
Malawi is currently facing a number of socio-political problems which culminated in July 20 demonstrations where thousands of Malawians poured into the streets to protests against the deteriorating situation in Malawi. Police shot dead 20 unarmed protestors and injured over 50 more.
Mucunguzi said Sharma will also meet a number of opposition political parties and civil society leaders before leaving for Kigali, Rwanda, later on Tuesday where he will hold talks President Paul Kagame before leaving for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the 28th of January where he will attend the African Union Summit.
Commenting on his three-leg Africa visit, Sharma said: “Africa region, with a Commonwealth membership of 19 countries, is a key focus of our work in supporting strengthening democratic institutions, promoting good governance and sustainable development. I always value these meetings where I update leaders and listen to Commonwealth citizens on what it is we can do to serve them better.”
Sharma added: “The developments we are witnessing on the continent and globally, with citizens demanding more efficient service delivery in the fields of governance, politics and the economy are a clear indication that we can longer continue doing things in a ‘business as usual’ basis. This is a challenge to all of us—which we must face squarely and address.”-
First Posted on Maravipost.com
