Sembereka Responds To Critics Over His Diplomatic Appointment ‘I suffered in prison alone’

Former Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) Senior Member Macdonald Sembereka has responded to people who are accusing them of being hypocrites for accepting their appointment to serve in foreign missions.

At least three members of the coalition, Luke Tembo, who was HRDC’s National Coordinator, Billy Mayaya who was the coalition’s executive member and Sembereka are among the appointed people on different diplomatic positions.

The development has there attracted different opinion from the public as some are accusing the Tonse government of appeasing the appointed members of the HRDC following the role they played in ousting Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) from power.

Others have however accused the members of betraying Malawians following their acceptance to take the position.

Responding to the accusations, Sembereka said he suffered alone in prison when he was arrested by the former President Peter Mutharika’s administration.

According to Sembereka no one should describe their appointment as diplomats as betrayal and a direct reward from the Tonse administration.

Reacting to the development, HRDC has said its agenda and role has not changed despite the appointment of some of its members to embassies.

According to a Statement signed by HRDC Chairperson Gift Trapence, the Coalition remains unchanged and steadfast in its quest to hold the government to account and to provide checks and balances in a bid to ensure a transparent and accountable democracy.

“HRDC is a people-centric organization whose membership is voluntarily derived from individuals and organizations that have the welfare of the people of Malawi. This is the principle upon which HRDC was founded.” – reads part of the statement.

HRDC has therefore congratulated Mayaya, Sembereka and Tembo on their appointment.