UK, Malawi to exchange envoys

The sour diplomatic relations between Malawi and the United Kingdom (UK) have ended with President Joyce Banda’s announcement on Tuesday that she has appointed Bernard Sande as High Commissioner-designate to London.

 

Banda also disclosed John Tembo Jnr will deputise Sande.

The fallout between the two countries came in April last year after former president the late Bingu wa Mutharika expelled the then British High Commissioner Fergus Cochrane-Dyet following a leaked cable which criticised his government and branded Mutharika as becoming dictatorial.

Banda told journalists that British Prime Minister David Cameron has also pledged to send an envoy in his letter which was delivered to her by Charge d’Affaires Kirk Hollingsworth on Sunday at Mudi Residence in Blantyre.

Said Banda: “The Prime Minister told me that following our peaceful transition of government and having noted the positive steps that my government is making to improve its economic and political governance and that I expressed my clear interest that part of my priorities is to normalise the relations with the UK.”

Banda, who was accompanied by Vice-President Khumbo Kachali and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Principal Secretary Affairs Patrick Kabambe, said she would reply to Cameron to express her commitment to improving Malawi’s economic and political governance.

‘Diplomats will operate freely’

She said she will inform the British Government that apart from their envoy, all diplomats accredited to the country would operate freely without any government obstruction.

Banda said the appointees would await the confirmation of the Public Appointments Committee of Parliament before travelling to London.

Sande has served as Malawi ambassador to the United States of America. He was also the longest-serving Principal Secretary for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation whereas Tembo has worked at the Malawi Embassy in Brussels, Belgium.

This development means unlocking of bilateral aid from London, Malawi’s former colonial master and longest ally.

The move also resonates with the seal of approval that IMF has given on Malawi over the weekend, urging donors and technical partners to make fresh commitments to Malawi.

Meanwhile, Britain’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs told the British Parliament on Tuesday that a new envoy will be deployed to Lilongwe.

In another development, Malawi has recalled its ambassador to the United Nations Brian Bowler and High Commissioner to India Dr Chrissie Chawanje-Mughogho.

Kabambe confirmed in an interview that the two have been recalled alongside Malawi High Commissioner to South Africa Agrina Mussa and that the three have been given three months notice.