SERIOUS SECURITY CONCERNS FORCE JB TO SHIFT DATES OF HER RETURN TO MALAWI

Following an article carried by FaceofMalawi on Wednesday on the much-anticipated return of former President Dr. Joyce Banda to Malawi, it has been revealed that the delay has been caused by serious security concerns following Malawi Government’s delay in providing a secure and decent house in a secure locality for the former Head of State and her family.

This has been disclosed in a Press Statement released from Banda’s office signed by Andekuche Chanthunya made available to FOM’s reporter.

According to the statement, In August 2015, the Ministry of Lands and Housing invited officials from her office to Lilongwe to identify a suitable house for the former President.

“The exercise was jointly carried out by the Ministry’s officials, officials of her office and His Excellency Chief Justice Richard Banda, RTD, the spouse of the former President. The house was indeed identified. However, one week ago, the Malawi Government advised Her Excellency’s office that the house is no longer available,” reads the statement in part.

According to Chanthunya, the Malawi Constitution provides for retirement benefits for the former Head of State and former Vice President.

“These include a salary, a house in a safe and secure place, and personal security detail. None of these have been accorded to Her Excellency Dr. Joyce Banda since she left office in May 2014,” he added.

Chanthunya has asked the Malawi Government to respect and uphold the rule of law and provide Her Excellency with her salary for 17 months, transport, adequate personal security and a secure home.

Adds the statement: “Malawians and the international community may recall that when she was State Vice President, Her Excellency’s security detail was drastically reduced and weakened in October 2010. On November 19, 2010, one month later, her official vehicle, a Mercedes Benz salon, registration number MG 2, was involved in a mysterious road accident at Kanengo in Lilongwe. This accident is well documented in Malawi”.

The statement further said the decision to weaken Her Excellency’s security detail this time round and attempts by the DPP administration to victimize her in various forms are reminiscent of the 2010 events.

History may be repeating itself here!

Meanwhile it is not known as to when Banda will be in the country.