Govt speaks out on Thyolo, Mulanje land wrangle

The government of Malawi has come out of the cocoon and adds its voice on the Thyolo, Mulanje land wrangle where some disgruntled villagers are calling for the formation of new state, saying government is doing everything possible to resolve the issue.

The statement follow concerns raised by Civil rights activist, Rafiq Hajat, saying creating a country within a country such as Malawi is not acceptable and government should quickly find ways of resolving the matter.

Hajat also expressed shock over the idleness of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on the matter, saying this is not helping matter.

In a statement released on Thursday signed by Minister of Information and Civic Education Patricia Kaliati, she said government is doing everything possible to resolve the matter.

Kaliati said government strongly support the observation made by Mr. Hajat and Daily Times newspaper that arresting Vincent Wandale for treason won’t help matters.

“Government applauds both Mr Hajat and the Editors of the Daily Times for making this correct and important observation about Mr Wandale. Indeed, Mr Hajat correctly observes that Mr Wandale’s declaration of an independent state within the Republic of Malawi is treasonous. However, while not restricting itself in future action, the present position of Government is to leave Mr Wandale alone. This is so because of the extent of the futility and the degree of irrationality of Mr Wandale’s declaration.

“ In fact, if Government prosecuted Mr Wandale for treason, the prosecution will be the significant action; not the declaration of independence. It would seem that this is what Mr Wandale hopes Government would do, so that he achieves fame, martyrdom and popularity. Government will not, for the time being, oblige Mr Wandale’s wishes,” reads the statement in part.

She added: Government, however, disagrees with Mr Hajat and the editors of the Daily Times in their assertion that Government is doing nothing about the matter. Seemingly unbeknown to Mr Hajat and the editors of the Daily Times, but certainly known to the traditional leaders of Mulanje and Thyolo, the other civic leaders of both Mulanje and Thyolo, as well as all leaders and members of the People’s Land Organisation, Government is fully engaged in this matter and is committed to finding a durable solution to the problem.”

Kaliati said so far President Mutharika has managed to meet various stakeholders involved in finding a solution to the matter.

“At times the President has sent his Ministers and other officials to engage other stakeholders in the matter. These discussions are progressing well. Government is confident that the issue of idle land in tea estates in Mulanje and Thyolo will soon be resolves to the satisfaction of all those concerned. As a matter of fact, in the Daily Times article in which Mr Hajat appears, one of the civic leaders in this matter, Hon Bon Kalindo, expressly acknowledges the involvement of the President in this issue, and his confidence that a solution will be found.

“This is obviously a weighty and delicate matter. It requires the attainment of a proper balance between our fundamental national interests, the law, and people’s legitimate expectations. In resolving this matter, therefore, Government will not be acting in response to Mr Wandale’s bizarre and futile declaration of Independence. Government will be acting with a view to finding the best outcome for all our people and for our nation. President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika, by reason of his eminent legal background, his experience in similar disputes, and his calm temperament, is best suited for this task,” she said.