Malawi Palestine Solidarity Movement (MPSM) and Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (Cdedi) have warned that Malawi risks straining her diplomatic relations with other countries for siding with Israel.
The two organisations said, in a joint statement issued yesterday, that Ma lawi ’s internationa l reputation could also be damaged for supporting actions viewed as endorsing human rights violations resulting in civilian casualties.
Last year, Malawi voted against a United Nations (UN) resolution demanding Israel to comply with the UN court ruling and withdraw from the occupied territory of Palestine.
Va r i o u s huma n r i g h t s advocates, religious leaders and political analysts have described gov e rnment ’s d ec i s i o n a s outrageous, arguing that it exposes its double-standards.
In the joint statement, MPSM and Cdedi observes that Malawi’s vote has created a negative perception among other UN member-States.
“It suggests that Malawi is willing to look the other side amid serious human rights violations and war crimes, which can damage our international reputation and diplomatic relations,” reads the statement signed by Cdedi executive director Sylvester Namiwa and MPSM national coordinator Asabuni Phiri.
It says the perception contradicts Malawi’s stated commitment to justice and accountability as a signatory to the Rome Statute, the country adopted in 1998, and ratified on September 19 2002.
MPSM and Cdedi have since demanded the Ministry of Justice to inform the nation within seven days if it advised President Lazarus Chakwera before voting took place and if the ministry believes the stand is right taking into account all legal obligations.
Further, they have demanded an explanation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inform the nation where the decision to vote against the UN resolution was discussed, and its justification.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Nkhalamba did not respond to our inquiry when contacted while his Ministry of Justice counterpart Frank Namangale said: “We have not yet received their demand letter. We will address it appropriately upon receipt.”
