President Mutharika rules out war with Tanzania over Lake Nyasa border dispute

Malawian President Peter Mutharika has ruled out negotiations with Tanzanian over their Lake Malawi border dispute but said his country was also not ready to go to war over the matter.

He said this at a press briefing in Lilongwe two days after his return from Washington DC where he attended the US-African leaders’ summit.

Malawi is disputing Tanzania’s claim of ownership of part of Lake Malawi.

The two countries referred the matter to the Southern Africa Development Corporation (SADC) Forum of Former Heads of State and Government, which is headed by Mr Chissano.

A journalist had wanted to know what President Mutharika discussed with Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete at a meeting they held in Washington.

Professor Mutharika said their discussion centred on fishing in Lake Malawi by citizens of both countries.

Over the lake dispute, he disclosed that his government will review what the Joyce Banda government had presented to the Southern African Development Community leadership and map the way forward.

“We will let the channel of discussion that was established between the two countries to continue while we are reviewing how far the discussions had reached.

“Yes I said the Lake Malawi issue is not negotiable but we cannot go to war with Tanzania over the lake,” he said.

During the press conference the President urged Malawians, especially those working in government, to step up campaigns to woo investors to the country saying that there are plenty of untapped opportunities.

“I call upon officers in all the ministries to come up with a project that would attract foreign investors,” he said.

Mr Mutharika warned government workers against their carefree attitude which he observed has cost the country several opportunities that would have brought investors into the country.