DPP cries for Bingu’s recognition on Mzimba, Chitipa roads

Malawi’s former ruling party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has described as ‘political posturing’ the lack of recognition of former President Bingu wa Mutharika during the official opening of the Ekwendeni, Emuvuyeni, Kafukule, Mzimba and the infamous Karonga – Chitipa road.

But Malawi’s President Mrs. Joyce Banda argued during the opening of the Karonga – Chitipa road that she was the master minder of the road project which had been neglected for almost 50 years.

When she was Malawi’s Foreign minister, Banda, claimed she was at the centre of negotiations that saw Malawi switch diplomatic ties from Taiwan to Peoples Republic of China, saying the total completion of the road was one of the many projects that she emphasized must see the light of the day.

“I signed the agreement…by the way Presidents do not sign such agreements but are required to be there as witnesses,” Banda said.

DPP spokesperson Nicholas Dausi told the media in Mzuzu on Friday that former Presidents like Kamuzu Banda, Bakili Muluzi and Bingu wa Mutharika need to be recognized for the various developments they achieved during their reign, arguing that trying to erase them would be akin to rewriting the country’s history.

Dausi, who is also DPP’s Chairperson of the main organizing committee of the Party’s forthcoming convention scheduled for April, was in the northern region to brief the party members drawn from the districts and constituencies on the progress and also to seek inputs on how the party can rebuild following mass defections to the ruling People’s Party.

He said during the opening of the 25Km Ekwendeni – Emuvuyeni road and the Karonga – Chitipa road, Mutharika’s name was not mentioned despite that his government played a major role initiating and seeing to fruition these road projects.

“It’s very unfortunate and a grave political mistake. Posterity will judge us because Malawians are watching us. It will not help to erase their names,” he said.

Earlier during the official opening of the meeting, the DPP publicist told the gathering numbering about 100, that the party is now trusting is supporters and members as custodians of the party than members of parliament.

“We are still strong now because of you. You all know what happened when our president died. We had many MPs and they are gone now. Even the one we trusted and relied all left us even before we buried our leader,” Dausi said.

He said DPP is now on a mission to rebuild its relations with various stakeholders like the media, clergy, civil society and NGOs.

“We would want them to tell us where we were wrong and what should do not to repeat the same mistakes again. It’s kind of soul searching,” Dausi said.

The party has since regretted its grave sins which include the economic mess, human rights violations, threats to close down newspapers, banning government advertising in some media outlets and passing repressive laws.

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