Kondowe advises govt on diplomatic ties

Activist and Civil Society Education Coalition executive director Benedicto Kondowe says Malawi needs diplomatic relations based on national and not individual interests.

In a statement released on Wednesday to add voice on lessons to Malawian leaders from late South African icon Nelson Mandela’s legacy, Kondowe said government needs to avoid expenditure on unnecessary diplomatic missions.

The remarks come at a time the country’s leadership has been working to strengthen diplomatic ties with many countries including those in the Gulf region.

“In the modern world, diplomacy must be based on the development needs of the nation and strategically positioning itself to benefit from the economies of scale.

“For this to obtain, there should be a deliberate effort to subject the appointing decisions to parliamentary substantive debates, vetting and subsequent approval of qualified candidates. This will ensure that the post-May 2014 Malawi only ventures into diplomatic ties that have the potential of benefiting Malawians on the development front,” said Kondowe.

He said this would help to control unnecessary expenditures on unproductive diplomatic missions, some of which, he said, are retained for the benefit of a few and greedy leaders at the expense of the 15 million Malawians.

Kondowe said those who will win next year’s elections are expected to work hard to improve the brand, reputation and credibility of the presidency.

“A true leader should be able to rise up to the challenge, and make a difference in a better way in the lives of the majority. Be the custodian of national values and culture,” said Kondowe.

There are just about four months remaining to next year’s election with several people including People’s Party (PP) president Joyce Banda, MCP’s Lazarus Chakwera, UDF’s Atupele Muluzi and DPP’s Peter Mutharika as contenders for the presidential post.