JB rebuffs MHRC on maize

President Joyce Banda yesterday vowed to continue distributing maize to people despite concerns by human rights watchdogs, including the taxpayer-funded Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC).

MHRC last week reported the President’s People’s Party (PP) to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, saying it has politicised maize distribution.

“It raises the possibility of putting political priorities above fundamental human rights priorities with the underlying consequence that those that are not associated with the political grouping in question are most often left out,” said the report presented by commissioners the Reverend ZaccKawalala and Marshal Chilenga, and executive secretary Grace Malera.

But addressing a rally at Goliati in Thyolo East Constituency, Banda vowed never to stop distributing maize, wondering why former president BakiliMuluzi was not stopped.

She told the gathering that it is only chiefs, after discussing the matter, that can stop her. She asked them (chiefs) to convene a meeting and decide.

Earlier, two people reportedly were injured in a fracas that erupted before the President’s rally. The incident happened at Goliati Trading Centre, home to former president the late BinguwaMutharika, and sources  identified the injured as Peter Chasweka and Patrick Januwale.

DPP spokesperson Nicholas Dausi expressed ignorance about the incident. He, however, disclosed that there was supposed to be a football bonanza at Goliati but was switched to Nansadi to pave way for the President.

PP spokesperson Ken Msonda asked to be given more time to investigate.