MUTHARIKA READY TO SIGN TABLE MOUNTAIN DECLARATION

As the battle for media freedom across the country and the World as a whole continues, it has been transpired that President Peter Mutharika is ready to sign the controversial Table Mountain Declaration which has been on standstill for ages now.

Six years have now passed since heads of State from the African region met and came up the Table Mountain Declaration where they agreed to sign the document on behalf of their respective countries.

Since then some heads of State have not yet signed the declaration citing various reasons in their respective countries and that Malawi is one such country which has not yet endorsed the declaration.

But State house Press Officer Mr. Fredrick Ndala say President Peter Mutharika will sign the document, the President is waiting for the advice from the Attorney General.

“The table mountain declaration as you are aware it borders on laws that infringes on media freedom which they have to be reviewed or repealed.

“At the moment the issue is with Attorney General who is the legal advisor to the President, You will recall that they are about 36 pieces of registration that hinder the freedom of expression in the country and people have been advocating for their repeal, so if these are dealt with the President will be advised accordingly”, Said Ndala.

Former President Dr. Joyce Banda refused to sign citing lack of adequate time on the presentation of the Declaration of table of Mountain by the Media Institute of southern Africa (MISA), Malawi Chapter.