Chakwera-Chilima Relationship Is Strained – Chisa Mbele

Social Commentator Joshua Chisa Mbele has reacted to the move by President Lazarus Chakwera to delegate former Head of State Bakili Muluzi to attend the funeral of Zambia’s former president the late Rupiah Banda whilst he is in America for a conference of Least Developed Countries at the UN headquarters in New York.

Traditionally, when the president is out of the country, his vice takes charge as an acting president and is responsible for managing delegated state affairs.

Writing on his Facebook page Chisa Mbele asked who is in charge of the country considering that the president is in America and yet he has delegated the former head of state to represent him at Rupiah Banda’s funeral.

“President Chakwera is in America. Who is acting as the Acting President? He has Opted for Bakili Muluzi to represent him and Malawi in Zambia- Rupiah Banda’s funeral,” said Chisa Mbele.

He then explained that if Chilima is acting as the president, then Chakwera is right to appoint Muluzi to represent him in Zambia because Chilima cannot leave the country.

But if Chilima is not acting then it is a snub to appoint Muluzi. Chilima should have been given that task said Chisa Mbele.

In his observation, Chisa Mbele claims Tonse Alliance which was once hyped and praised is finally over adding that the relationship between President Chakwera and his vice Saulos Chilima is strained.

According to Chisa Mbele, what is seen is only public PR but the actual alliance is over.

“Tonse Alliance is gone. Finished. Doesn’t exist anymore. The relationship between President & his Vice is strained. What you see is only public PR. Zinatha kale-kale,” he said.