Friday 29 June 2012

MADONNA earmark 'TO MALAWI TO WIN HIS SUPERENALOTTO

Over 100 thousand euros for the project already announced the construction of 10 new schools for children of Malawi. And 'this tell what sites gossippari London. After the notorious failure of the initiative for opening a school for poor girls, the star has decided to use the proceeds from winning Italian Superenalotto to finance the project that will aim to educate 1000 children a year, especially girls , as reported by the Daily Mail.

During his recent stay in Rome for dell'MDNA Tour, in fact, the former Material Girl has sent a trusted assistant to buy from the central Tobacco Modern Gallery, near Piazza della Repubblica, usually frequented by celebrities including international, well- 100 lottery tickets and 14 SuperEnalotto SiVinceTutto, number dictated by the luck of the famous singer, who actually planned the birth of their daughter Lourdes Maria precisely on the day October 14, 1996.


 Madonna has thus made it known early on that Malawi will donate to the cause of the sum of 120,000 euros to put an end to the numerous criticisms emerged so far for pledges not honored.

The passion for the game of Miss Ciccone is well known. As well as its commitment to joint initiatives. Already in his previous visits to Italy had tried their luck for a good purpose. In Venice last year during the Mostradel Cinema had purchased the coupons and the proceeds would be donated to charity always in favor of Malawi, one of the poorest countries of Africa, where the Italian-American singer has already participated in a program help AIDS orphans. Now it's raining in London the news of the win.


But Madonna is not the only celebrity who loves to play. Not even the rich and famous are not immune to lottery fever. Recently, the Hollywood actress Kirstie Alley has announced via Twitter that he bought over 50 tickets in the popular Mega Millions.


 Is no less the star of Mission Impossible, Tom Cruise, who, during the promotional tour in Spain last chapter in the saga known spy, became immortalized with a ticket lottery super El Gordo, the most famous in the world .

BY GOSSIP FACILE 

Home Affairs case on closing CT refugee reception centre put on hold

An  international human rights organisation, Scalabrini has postponed the court injunction , aiming to stop the department of Home Affairs in South Africa from closing its  Cape Town refugee reception centre.

According to an inside source the case has been postponed  until the 17th of next month.

This follows an agreement between the Department and  Scalabrini. The matter was to have been heard at the Western Cape High Court today.

Scalabrini says the closure of a reception centre in Maitland, set for today 29th June 2012 , is irrational as it will add further strain to the three existing offices in the country. Two other offices in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth have already been closed.

This means new and undocumented asylum seekers will have to apply in the Pretoria, Musina or Durban offices which is already overcrowded . It however remains unclear what is the interim arrangement pending the return court date. 

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have denied to comment on the issue but disclosed that discussing with government on the issue.

This was disclosed by UNHCR Regional Representative for Southern Africa Sanda Kimbimbi in a telephone interview.

"I am on my way to Cape Town but UN will not comment on the issue: said Kimbimbi   

Wednesday 27 June 2012

42 Malawi migrants suffocate to death in Tazania

42 illegal  immigrants from Malawi were found dead in a truck in central Tanzania, after  perished from asphyxiation, the  interior minister disclosed
.
According to the Interior Minister Pereira Silima  the immigrants  died of suffocation on Tuesday  and believe they  had no food.

According to AFP it is reported that there were more than 100 people in the truck

The driver of the truck abandoned the truck after  he had learnt of the dead bodies

The bodies were discovered in the truck in Dodoma province, about 400km (250 miles) west of Dar es Salaam.


Friday 22 June 2012

Boat tragedies on Lake Malawi,underscore risks for migrants, asylum seekers:UNHCR

UNHCR  has expressed concern over the death of 47 Ethiopians who drowned on Lake Malawi when  the boat in which they were sailing capsized. 


 UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edward said this during a press briefing, on Friday 22 June at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

Reports indicate that at least 60  Ethiopians drowned  in a boat capsizing incident on Lake Malawi. The exact number of deaths has not been determined.

 According to the reports , villagers around the lake found a dead body on Monday and buried it. On Tuesday another corpse was floating on the lake and the villagers also buried it. On Wednesday several bodies were seen floating on Lake Malawi and the police became involved and picked them up. The bodies were decomposed and were buried immediately.

According to Edward Six migrants who  survived the ordeal  are being interviewed by police at Karonga.

He disclosed that the  boat  left Tanzania on Sunday. "The government of Malawi has arrested three Malawians on suspicion that they facilitated the movement of the group, in collaboration with fellow Tanzanians." said Edward

"UNHCR has been seeing increased use of boats among migrants and asylum seekers traveling southwards from the Horn of Africa since January 2010 when a group of 106 Somalis arrived in the Cabo Delgado coast of Mozambique" said  Edward
  "Sadly, this is not the only boat disaster this week that has come to our attention. Our office in Canberra issued a statement overnight relating to a boat accident between Indonesia and Australia in which a number of people presumed to be asylum seekers lost their lives." worried Edward

PP Obtain a Court Injuction on Section 65

What goes around comes around: Using DPP old  tricks the ruling Peoples Party (PP) has obtained a court injunction retraining Speaker of Parliament  Henry Chimunthu Banda marking a ruling on Section 65.

 Speaker of Malawi parliament Friday morning failed to make a land mark ruling on Section 65 after the executive obtained a court injunction . 

According to inside sources  Speaker was likely going to declare vacant seats for about 40 MPs who left DPP to join the ruling People's Party after the DPP provided a  written evidence as demanded on Thursday. 

"Members I wish to announce that I have been served with a court injunction restraining me from making my ruling," said the Speaker. 

Banda disclosed that   the injunction, obtained by Deputy Education Minister Chikumbutso Hiwa on behalf of the other affected MPs, was served to him by Attorney General Ralph Kasambara who was  present in the chamber at that time. 

The Speaker then invited the chief petitioner, DPP leader in parliament Dr. George Chaponda, to a meeting to map the way forward.

 


Thursday 21 June 2012

Speaker Challage DPP on Section 65

The then ruling Democratic Progressive Party officials  (DPP) are on caucus to map the way forward after the Speaker of parliament Henry Chimuthu Banba challenged the party to submit  evidence against members of parliament who are accused to have crossed the floor.

The section restrain members of parliament from   ditching their parties which voted them into power to join another that is represented in parliament.

After the death of  President Bingu Wa Mutharika many DPP MP's ditched the party to join the party of Malawi new president Joyce Banda.

This forced DPP to petition the speaker to declare vacant seats eats of over 40 legislators 


 

Wednesday 20 June 2012

60 Somalis feared dead after drowned on Lake Malawi

Over 60  illegal immigrants  from Somalia are feared dead after a boat they were  sailing capsized on Lake Malawi in  the area called Kapolo last  Monday due to overloading.

Only  35 dead bodies have been recovered so far and the police with the assistance of communities are searching for the remaining 25 bodies.

According to police bodies were discovered by women who went to fetch water.

Recently Malawi police arrested about 70 Ethiopians and Somalis for entering the country illegally 

..




Chipolopolo to face The Flames

African champions Chipolopolo will face The Flames in a friendly in the commercial Capital  Blantyre on July 6, officials have announced.
 
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) said the match will be played at the Kamuzu Banda Stadium in Blantyre.
 
A 25-man squad will be named next week and the players are expected to assemble in Lusaka on July 1.
   
The friendly will be Zambia’s second warm-up game since winning the 2012 Africa Cup on February 12 following their 1-1 away draw to Angola on May 16 in Luanda.

Zambia and Malawi are both in contention for places in both the  2013 African Cup of Nations  as well as the 2014 world cup 
  
Zambia’s Chipolopolo are third in the standings of the World Cup qualifying section, which also has Sudan, Ghana and Lesotho, while Malawi are drawn alongside Nigeria, Namibia and Kenya in their own section.
 
Both countries will also feature in the final qualifying series for the 2013 AFCON to be staged in South Africa. Zambia are in Pot 1, while Malawi are in Pot 2.

Mubarak not dead - Medical source

Convicted Egyptian  ex-president Hosni Mubarak is in a coma and has been placed on an artificial respirator, a medical source says, denying reports that he is dead.

"He is in a coma and the doctors are trying to revive him. He has been placed on an artificial respirator," Disclosed the  source.

Local media  had announced earlier that Mubarak, 84, had been declared clinically dead, saying his heart had stopped beating.

"Hosni Mubarak is clinically dead," the official MENA news agency reported.

"Medical sources told MENA his heart had stopped beating and did not respond to defibrillation."
Mubarak was reportedly transferred from prison to a military hospital in the Cairo district of Maadi earlier on Tuesday evening after suffering a stroke and undergoing defibrillation in prison.

The 84-year-old Mubarak  was sentenced to life behind bars on June 2 for suppressing a revolt against his rule in early 2011 during which nearly 850 protesters were killed.

Tuesday 19 June 2012

Probe TB Joshua Over Mutharika's Death, Demanded Malawi Opposition

The then ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has demanded  that the self proclaimed Nigerian prophet   TB Joshua must be questioned by the inquiry probing late president, Bingu wa Mutharika’s death.
President Joyce Banda  recently announced that government is intending to establish  an inquiry to probe the circumstances around Bingu's controversial   death on April 5, including the medical attention he received. 
TB Joshua prophesied the  death and claimed that Mutharika visited him before he passed away  to beg for forgiveness.
The new Malawian leader  who frequently flys to  Nigeria to visit the prophet was accused by other African countries like Zimbabwe for killing Mutharika. DPP spokesman Nicholas Dausi  was quoted in the local press   that TB Joshua should be quizzed. Mutharika died in a sudden cardiac failure on April 5 exactly two months before this date in which TB Joshua said an old African president would die in two months’ time.
“We must find out how he can foretell those things,” Dausi, Mwanza Central MP told Parliament.
“According to Saint Francis of Assisi, that is not Godly. It is not an exhaustible instrument of life,” said Dausi, 
DPP leader in Parliament Dr George Chaponda is on record telling the House that the probe should “include interviewing those who were celebrating after the death of the late President and slaughtering cows.”
But President Banda has justified the probe said the late president was no longer a family member but a Head of State.
“All we are trying is to find out what happened, not who killed him. Is there anything we could have done to avoid his death, did he receive enough attention, why were there three different signs of date of death?” said Banda.

Malawian in South Africa accused of raping sister In-Law

South African Service  in Cape Town has arrested a 42 year old  Malawian Steven Moyo from Salima  district  for sexually attacking his sister- in -law.

 According to Moyo's wife  on Sunday 17th June 2012  the suspect invited her 10 year old in law to his bedroom when his wife was admitted at the hospital after miscarrying a six month pregnancy.

Reports says when the girl entered the bedroom the suspect dragged her on the bed where he had unlawful sex with her.

The victim is said to have narrated the whole ordeal to her teacher who took her to hospital for a medical test
  Moyo who is denying the charges  was arrested on 18th June 2012 and is expected to appear before Cape Town Magistrate court on Tuesday 19th June 2012 to answer  to charges of rape 



Wednesday 13 June 2012

Manchester United to play in South Africa

Manchester United football club  have confirmed they will visit South Africa as part of   their pre-season tour, where they are expected to play two matches next month

According to reports the  Red Devils will is expected to face  AmaZulu FC in Durban on July 18 and Ajax Cape Town in Cape Town three days later.

This will be  United's first visit since 2008 and  the tour will be sponsored by MTN, the club's mobile telecommunications partner in Southern Africa.

The opening match  will take place at the 54,000-capacity Moses Mabhida Stadium, venue for Spain's World Cup semi-final win over Germany, on Mandela Day.

"The training camp and matches in South Africa will be an important part of our preparations for the 2012/13 season and an excellent chance to renew our acquaintance with our loyal and enthusiastic fans in South Africa," said Red Devils chief executive David Gill.

Press Release:Scottish Charities Aim to Improve the Lives of People who have a Disability in Malawi

The Scottish Government has funded a three-year project which aims to strengthen the voice of disabled people in Malawi in a bid to reduce the high levels of poverty and improve the quality of life experienced by disabled people in the country.

Most people in Malawi who have a disability do not have access to essential services. The project will see three Scottish charities coming together to lend their expertise and support to disabled peoples organisations in Malawi to help them develop advocacy and effective campaigning to enable them to speak with one voice to bring about positive change.

With the support of the Scottish Government, CBM Scotland, ENABLE Scotland and the Mental Health Foundation Scotland aim to make huge improvement to the lives of people who have a disability and their families in Malawi.
Disability in Malawi
The three Scottish charities will soon begin work with the Malawi umbrella group FEDOMA (Federation of Disability Organisations in Malawi) to strengthen their ability to advocate for the rights of people who have disabilities at local and national level, and to ensure equitable access to health, education and livelihood services.
Karen Garrott, Country Manager for CBM in Scotland said: "I believe that between our partners in Malawi and Scotland we have an opportunity to ensure that the voice of people who have disabilities in Malawi is heard."
The Scottish Government has awarded £317,000 over three years for this specific project. Strong links already exist between Scotland and Malawi.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs said:
"Scotland has a special relationship with Malawi. Scottish-based organisations have been working for many years to improve the lives of its people, who are among the poorest in the world. Through our International Development Fund, the Scottish Government is proud to support CBM, Enable Scotland and the Mental Health Foundation's important work to strengthen the voice of disabled people in Malawi, reduce the high level of poverty and make a real difference to their lives.

"Scotland takes its responsibilities to the wider world seriously. That is why I have protected Scottish Government spending on international development, helping to make a real difference to some of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people."
MUSSA CHIWAULA, Executive Director of FEDOMA (Federation of Disability Organisations in Malawi, explains what the project will mean to people in his country, saying:
"This project will greatly assist in building the capacity of disabled people and their organisations so that their voices are heard and their issues get truly embedded amongst community and local government development activities. Malawi is one country that has a very sound policy framework meant to promote disability mainstreaming in all national development activities but the major challenge is that it still needs to be translated into practice so that it brings meaningful change to the lives of persons with disabilities in the country."
Peter Scott, CEO of ENABLE Scotland, explained ENABLE Scotland’s involvement in the project, saying:
"ENABLE Scotland has had strong links with Malawi in the past, and we are therefore very pleased to be able to lend our support to disabled people and their families in Malawi once again. With funding from the Scottish Government, and in partnership with CBM Scotland and the Mental Health Foundation Scotland, we hope to share our experience as a membership and campaigning organisation with our partner organisations in Malawi. By doing so, we aim to empower disabled people and their families, and build their capacity to effect positive change. "
Speaking about the launch of the project Mike Davies OBE, Head of Programme Development, CBMUK said:
"Most people who have disabilities do not have access to essential services in Malawi. This exciting initiative, generously funded by the Scottish Government, is expected to have a long-term positive impact on the quality of life of over 300,000 Malawians living with disability, by strengthening their ability to speak with one voice, and bring about positive change and inclusion."
Isabella Goldie, Head of Mental Health – Scotland said:
"The Mental Health Foundation are delighted to be working in partnership with such a diverse range of partners as CBM, Enable Scotland and FEDOMA on this exciting new project. Stigma and discrimination limits the lives of people with mental health problems across the world and often excludes them from full civic participation.

"This project will enable us to work with FEDOMA and other disability and human rights organisations in Malawi to support people with mental health problems to have an equal voice on the issues that affect their lives. Working alongside wider disability organisations will also provide a vital opportunity to improve the wellbeing of people who live their lives with disabilities often in challenging circumstances by supporting them to engage with local and national democratic processes whilst also allowing us to learn from organisations and a country where the democratic processes and cultural understanding of mental health and wellbeing is very different.

"Scotland has a strong connection with Malawi and we hope that this project will mutually benefit both countries and help to create better, fairer lives for people with disabilities".
Ends
Picture Details
Caption - Karen Garrott (4th from left) - CBM UK's Country Manager for Scotland, with Bixon Phiri (5th from left) who has severely neglected bilateral clubfoot. Copyright: CBM
Notes to Editors
CBM
CBM, the overseas disability charity, is an international disability and development organisation committed to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities and those at risk of disability. CBM is working in over 80 of the poorest countries in the world, reaching more than 36 million people in 2011.

* CBM supports health care for persons with disabilities, and prevention of conditions which can lead to disability.

* CBM seeks to improve access to health care, education and rehabilitation services for people with visual, hearing, physical, intellectual or psychosocial impairments.

* CBM aims to mainstream disability into all aspects of development and empower people with disabilities to take an active role in their communities through inclusion in development projects and involvement in community initiatives.

* CBM is an official partner of the World Health Organisation in a number of fields including prevention of blindness, hearing impairment and mental health.

Posting organisation: Enable Scotland
Contact: Nikki Slowey
Email: nikki.slowey@enable.org.uk
Phone: 07921675185
Region:
Site Url: http://www.

Tuesday 12 June 2012

Zuma axe Cele,Name new cabinet

South Africa President Jacob Zuma on Tuesday  axed  police boss  General Bheki Cele as national police chief, and  made several changes to the national executive.

Zuma told reporters in Pretoria he had decided to "release" Cele following a recommendation by the board of inquiry into his conduct

"Having thoroughly considered the report of the board, and applied my mind thereto, I have decided to release General Cele from his duties," Said  Zuma

 Cele was replaced by Mangwashi Victoria  being a first female police boss in South Africa, She is currently the chair of the presidential review committee on state owned enterprises, and deputy chair of the independent commission on the remuneration of office bearers.

"Ms Phiyega brings a wealth of experience as a senior executive, who understands the responsibility of government in the fight against crime, and the duties imposed in dealing with state assets," Zuma said.

"I have every confidence that she will show leadership and acquit herself well as national commissioner. We wish her all the best in her new assignment."

Zuma also  announced the appointment of several new  cabinet ministers and deputy ministers. The new appointees are:
  •  Public Service and Administration Minister: Lindiwe Sisulu.
  •  Defence Minister: Nosiviwe Maphisa-Nqakula.
  •  Transport Minister: Ben Martins.
  •  Correctional Services Minister: Sibusiso Ndebele.
  •  Deputy Transport Minister: Sindisiwe Chikunga.
  •  Deputy Public Enterprises Minister: Gratitude Magwanishe.
  •  Deputy Public Works Minister: Jeremy Cronin
  •  Deputy Economic Development Minister: Hlengiwe Mkhize.
  •  Deputy Higher Education Minister: Mduduzi Manana.

African countries critises Malawi's decision to Cancel AU Summit

African countries has  sharply criticized Malawi government  for bowing to Western pressure after the  cancellation of   African Union (AU) summit in the country over the attendance of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. who is wanted by the ICC .

Western countries are pressuring countries around the world to arrest him if he visited them.

Bashir  was due to attend July's AU summit in Malawi, but the no-nonsense Malawi president Joyce Banda warned that her government will arrest him if he dares to step on Malawi soil.

 Banda made such a harsh decision to a fellow African  leader after the  West threatened to cancel aid to countries which do not co-operate with the ICC.

Malawi's economy has been badly shaken by donor aid withdrawal after diplomatic tiff with  former president Bingu wa Mutharika

The summit has now been shifted to Ethiopia.

Zimbabwe government  said Malawi had made a dangerous mistake in curving in to Western pressure, adding this had opened a neo-colonial avenue for powerful countries to increase their interference in African domestic affairs.

'Much as we are aware that up to 40 percent of Malawi's budgetary requirements were funded by Western donors, which had been withdrawn after the diplomatic tiff with wa Mutharika's government, we ask whether this preference for donors vis-a-vis African principles is a statement that Africa is donor dependent,' the paper questioned.



Malawi  opposition parties has also accused president Joyce Banda taking such a decision without proper consultation.

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) spokesman for Finance  Joseph Njovuyalema told parliament on Monday that the decision to withdraw the Summit was hurriedly,saying  government was suppose to consult all the stakeholders involved in the preparations

Monday 11 June 2012

Civil Society Applaud Malawi decision to withdraw from hosting AU Summit

 Malawi civil society has strongly applaud the government  decision to withdraw  from hosting the African Union  (AU) Summit

Malawi's Vice president Khumbo Kachale announced on Friday 8th June that has decided not to host  the AU summit saying it can not be bulldozed  in hosting Sudanese president Al Bahir. 

  "We strongly applaud the government of Malawi for standing up to uphold and respect international commitment and obligation especially the Rome Statutes by opting to withdraw from hosting the 19th Summit of the African Union".  Reads the statement which was signed by nine civil society organizations

The statement added that the move to ban Bashir  is a clear manifestation that Malawi's new government will not compromise on anything less than justice and human rights.

  The civil society  further accused   the AU  for  promotion   oppressors of human rights at the highest level.

"As a state party to the Rome Statute, which created the ICC, we are required to cooperate with the court, which includes executing arrest warrants. This is made against the backdrop that the ICC has no police force and thus depends on member states to enforce its orders." Read the statement

They further argued that though  invested resources into the hosting of the 19th Summit  has gone down the drain, there  are still of the view that the decision was timely and beyond government’s control.

 "We believe that this painful decision demonstrates our government’s commitment to defending its human rights record and the interests of Malawi against the potential economic gains associated with hosting the Summit."

 The undersigned CSOs therefore called upon all concerned parties including all African countries and the African Union  to do the needful by way of being agents of justice and not protect and give immunity to alleged or suspected criminals.

"In this regard, we applaud countries like Zambia, South Africa, and Botswana who have made it clear that President Omar Al Bashir is not welcome in their territories."

They further demanded  all African countries that are party to the Rome Statutes to uphold and respect the determination of the ICC.

 "In this regard, we urge all the African States to continue to put more pressure on Khartoum by way closing their borders to President Omar Al Bashir."


CIVIL SOCIETY STATEMENT ON MALAWI'S DECISION TO WITHDRAW FROM HOSTING SUMMIT OF THE AFRICA UNION

We, representatives of national civil society organizations, undersigned, having met today the 9th of June 2011 in Lilongwe on the recent developments as given in the national address by the Vice President, Rt. Hon. Khumbo Kachali that Malawi has withdrawn from hosting the 19th Summit of the African Union, observe as follows:-

Informed that the Malawi government has decided to not to host the African Union summit this July following AU's insistence that our government must accept the attendance of the Sudanese President, Omar Al-Bashir in the face of a warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court for war crimes charges in Darfur where thousands of people have been killed and displaced;

Noting that earlier Sudan had already requested the AU to shift the summit to
Ethiopia after President Joyce Banda indicated that Malawi would arrest al-Bashir if he came for the summit. This also followed equal sentiments by other Principled African countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Tanzania against Omar Al Bashir’s attendance of the Summit;

Observing that while we have obligations to abide by decisions of the AU, we are
also under obligation to other international agreements including the
Rome Statutes;

Recognizing that the government arrived at the decision with the primary consideration of what is in the best interests of Malawians as part of its effort to reposition the country’s image to the international community and in fulfillment of the international obligations placed on itself under the various international instruments our government has accented to or ratified;

Our Take on Malawi’s Bold Decision on President Omar Al Bashir
While hosting the Summit has the potential to boost the credibility of a given a member state, we, the undersigned, strongly applaud the government of Malawi for standing up to uphold and respect international commitment and obligation especially the Rome Statutes by opting to withdraw from hosting the 19th Summit of the African Union that was slated for July 2012 if the International Criminal Court (ICC) indicted Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir is allowed to attend. This, in our view, is a clear manifestation that Malawi will not compromise on anything less than justice and human rights.

We appreciate the tight spot that the Africa Union pushed Malawi into by forcing down on us to host all African Head of Sates and Government including fugitive President Omar Al Bashir or pass the right to host the summit. This negated the AU’s responsibility, as an institution, to live up to the promotion of human rights within its own ranks by ensuring that it does not promote impunity for oppressors of human rights at the highest level.

As a state party to the Rome Statute, which created the ICC, we are required to cooperate with the court, which includes executing arrest warrants. This is made against the backdrop that the ICC has no police force and thus depends on member states to enforce its orders.

Although it may be understood that the invested resources into the hosting of the 19th Summit of the AU has gone down the drain, we are still of the view that the decision is timely and beyond our government’s control. More so, we believe that this painful decision demonstrates our government’s commitment to defending its human rights record and the interests of Malawi against the potential economic gains associated with hosting the Summit.

The Call for Fight Against Impunity

We the undersigned CSOs would like to seize this opportunity to call upon all concerned parties including all African countries and the African Union at large to do the needful by way of being agents of justice and not protect and give immunity to alleged or suspected criminals. In this regard, we applaud countries like Zambia, South Africa, and Botswana who have made it clear that President Omar Al Bashir is not welcome in their territories.

Way forward

Malawi’s stand on this issue is a move in the right direction and we call upon all African countries and the Africa Union at large to emulate. It is also worth noting that the space is closing up on President Omar Al Bashir in Africa and sooner or later the long arm of justice will take its rightful course. In particular, we demand as follows:

Call upon all African countries that are party to the Rome Statutes to uphold and respect the determination of the ICC. In this regard, we urge all the African States to continue to put more pressure on Khartoum by way closing their borders to President Omar Al Bashir.

For those countries that are not yet party to the Rome Statutes like Sudan, we call upon them to ratify.

Urge all State Parties are treating Omar Al Bashir with kids’ gloves to rise to rise to reality and defend humanity without fear or favour. For African countries that are able to host or allow him to visit must realize that they are indirectly contributing towards sustained war against humanity in Darfur as Al Bashir believes he has the support of some Heads of States.

Pursuant to the preceding, it must therefore be borne in their minds that “protection of human rights knows no political, racial, religion, gender, and ethnicity divide: human rights are inalienable and universal” and must be treated as such.

Signed:-
Civic and Political Space (CPS)

Council for Non-Governmental Organization – CONGOMA

Human Rights Consultative Committee – HRCC

NGO Gender Network - NGO GCN

Malawi Economic Justice Network – MEJN

Malawi Electoral Support Network – MESN

Malawi Health Equity Network – MHEN

Human Rights Defenders Forum - HRD

The Governance Platform (GP)

Friday 8 June 2012

Malawi will not host AU Summit


Malawi has decided not to host African Union (AU) Summit saying it can not be bulldozed into hosting Sudanese president  Al Bashir.
Malawi's Vice president Khumbo Kachale announced this on Friday after a cabinet meeting after AU Commission forced Malawi to host Bashir 


"Malawi will not be hosting the African Union. This has been  decided by Cabinet this morning after AU Commission forced us to welcome Sudanese President Al Bashir" said Kachali 
 Recently  Malawi's President Joyce Banda made it clear that the Sudanese leader, Omar al-Bashir, would not be welcome at the organisation's meeting in Lilongwe in July.
She reportedly said that she would co-operate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) by seeking his arrest if he enters the country.
Banda fears Bashir's presence in Malawi would jeopardise the country's economic ties with foreign donors, according to a BBC Africa report.
Bashir faces charges of crimes against humanity, genocide and war crimes by the ICC. Sudan's foreign ministry said Malawi was contravening AU rules, which include "the required propitious frameworks and environment for the summit".

Thursday 7 June 2012

IMF Mission and Malawi Authorities Reach Staff-Level Understandings on a New ECF-Supported Program-Press Release

A team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) visited Lilongwe during May 23-June 6, 2012 for discussions with Malawi’s new government, in the context of the 2012 Article IV consultation and the authorities’ intention to request a new three year arrangement under the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF)1. The mission was received by Her Excellency President Joyce Banda, and held discussions with Minister Ken Lipenga (Finance), Governor Charles Chuka (Reserve Bank of Malawi), Deputy Minister Khwauli Msiska (Economic Planning and Development), Secretary to the Treasury Randson Mwadiwa, and other senior government and RBM officials, members of the Budget and Finance Committee of the National Assembly, as well as with representatives of Malawi’s international development partners, civil society, and the banking and business communities. The mission is grateful to the authorities for the constructive spirit in which discussions were held and for their warm hospitality.
At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Tsidi Tsikata, mission chief for Malawi, issued the following statement:
“We congratulate President Banda on her assumption of the office of Head of State and applaud the smooth transition to the new administration following the unexpected death of President Bingu wa Mutharika in early April 2012. We extend our condolences to the Mutharika family and the nation at large.
“The mission has reached staff-level understandings with the authorities on an economic program for the fiscal years 2012/13–2014/15 that could be supported by a new ECF arrangement in the amount of SDR104 million (about US$157 million). The new arrangement is subject to approval by the IMF’s Executive Board which is expected to consider the authorities’ request in July 2012. The new arrangement will replace the three-year arrangement approved in February 2010 which the authorities have requested be cancelled in order to start on a clean slate.
“During our last visit to Malawi two months ago, the country was facing a severe foreign exchange shortage that was slowing down economic activity, as several enterprises scaled down their operations for lack of imported inputs, and fuel shortages disrupted transportation services and energy supplies, with ripple effects across all sectors. A growing stock of payments arrears had led to loss of external credit lines and a negative outlook for a speedy recovery. While the foreign exchange situation was triggered by a fall in the country’s tobacco earnings and aid inflows in 2011, the authorities’ response to these shocks—a small devaluation accompanied by a tightening of restrictions on foreign exchange transactions—created distortions which fostered a parallel foreign exchange market and boosted informal activity at the expense of the formal economy, with adverse consequences for government revenues. Moreover, the official exchange rate failed to anchor inflation expectations as a growing share of imports was being priced at the significantly depreciated parallel market exchange rate.
“The new government has moved swiftly and boldly to change the policy environment and begin to address Malawi’s chronic imbalance between foreign exchange earnings on the one hand, and the demand for foreign exchange on the other. A devaluation that increased the price of foreign exchange by nearly 50 percent, the adoption of a floating exchange rate regime, and the lifting of several restrictions on foreign exchange transactions have virtually eliminated the parallel market. Judicious intervention in the foreign exchange market by the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has helped clear some of the backlog of external payments while tightening liquidity conditions in the domestic market. The mission found overwhelming support in the private sector for the policy changes: exporters welcomed the boost to their incomes in local currency terms, importers were optimistic about the prospects for increased availability of foreign exchange to support a recovery in economic activity, and banks reported increased purchases of foreign exchange from customers. All stressed the importance on improving the investment climate in order to strengthen Malawi’s international competitiveness relative to countries in the sub-region. The policy changes have also been welcomed by Malawi’s development partners who have pledged to substantially increase their support to the FY2012/13 budget.
“The mission discussed the critical role of appropriate fiscal and monetary policies for avoiding an inflation spiral and realizing the expected benefits from the recent policy actions. To that end, the objectives of the program to be supported by the new ECF arrangement include fiscal sustainability and a gradual build up of international reserves to help cushion the economy against external shocks. More broadly, the program will guide the implementation of policies to create the stable macroeconomic environment needed to achieve the main objective of the second Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS II) of reducing poverty through sustained private sector led growth and wealth creation.
“The FY2012/13 budget will be an important vehicle for implementing the ECF-supported program. The government is giving high priority to ensuring adequate provisions for scaling up social protection programs in the budget to mitigate the impact of the devaluation on the welfare of the most vulnerable segments of the population. Fiscal discipline will be required to keep overall government spending within the available resource envelope while protecting the government’s top priorities and avoiding the recent history of excessive domestic borrowing and the accumulation of huge domestic arrears. Monetary policy will be geared toward achieving price stability, while providing room for growth in credit to the private sector. The authorities have agreed on limits to the government’s total borrowing from the RBM and on steps to enhance the operational independence of the RBM.
“The mission expressed concern over significant and growing risks to public finances from the operations of state-owned enterprises and the setting of prices and tariffs below cost recovery levels. In this regard, the mission welcomed the recent changes to the pricing and taxation of petroleum products and the adoption of an automatic adjustment mechanism to ensure that retail prices of these products reflect the true cost of importation. If the new rules are adhered to, fuel prices should move up and down in line with world prices. In order to contain fiscal risks from the operations of the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA), the mission urged the authorities to limit its operations to its mandate of managing the country’s strategic fuel reserves and to revert to reliance on the private sector for the importation of fuel to meet the country’s regular consumption needs.
“The mission discussed the issue of data integrity following the recent revelation that the Ministry of Finance inflated revenue data reported to parliament in the context of the midyear review of the budget earlier this year. The mission recommended that henceforth the Malawi Revenue Authority report information on its monthly revenue collections directly to the public and not just to the Ministry of Finance. The authorities requested technical assistance from the IMF and other partners to improve the quality of a wide range of economic statistics.”



1 The Extended Credit Facility (ECF) has replaced the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) as the IMF’s main tool for medium-term financial support to low-income countries. It provides for a higher level of access to financing, more concessional terms, enhanced flexibility in program design, and more focused, streamlined conditionality. Financing under ECF currently carries a zero interest rate, with a grace period of 5½ years, and a final maturity of 10 years.

Wednesday 6 June 2012

Malawi to receive US$157 million from the IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Malawi has come out to say  they had agreed to a 3-year, $157 million package to support the southern African country's troubled economy.

"We hope that this will encourage Malawi's donors, who have already pledged that they will support the 2012/13 budget, to quickly release their funds and make the country's international reserves sustainable," IMF mission chief Tsidi Tsikata told a news conference.

According to Reuters  the IMF will cancel a $79.4 million facility approved in 2010 that was suspended due to problems with Mutharika, who scoffed at the fund's recommendations to devalue the kwacha currency, reform the finance sector and increase transparency

Tsikata said the new extended credit facility should improve the balance of payments and restore donor confidence.

Malawi's relationship with international donors went sour when late president Bingu wa Mutharika, told donors that  Malawi did not need their support .


EAGLES TO FLY TO MALAWI

The Senior Nigerian  Men's National Football Team, known as Super Eagles, will fly out of Nigeria to Malawi on Thursday night , for Saturday's 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Flames.

Officials confirmed on Tuesday that the team will leave on Thursday night and arrive in Blantyre, capital of Malawi, in the early hours of Friday, and will be able to train on Friday evening on the artificial turf of the Kamuzu Stadium.

 Super Eagles defender Juwon Oshaniwa says the team will do well in their next match against the Flames this  Saturday.

  Oshaniwa, who plays for Sharks FC of Port Harcourtsaid shortly before their departure from Calabar on Tuesday that with the victory against Namibia, the team's spirit had been lifted up.

He said as group leaders, the type of tough opposition was expected from the Namibians.

'Its going to be a great one because presently on the group, we are on the top and you know what it means.

Saturday's match at the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre will start at 2.30pm Malawi time and will be refereed by officials from Mauritius.

However the Flames have challenged that they are intimidated by Super Eagles saying they make use of home advantage to beat Nigeria.

Tuesday 5 June 2012

Let every day be a World Environment Day


World Environmental Day  aims to raise awareness of the importance of respecting and doing your bit for the environment,however it is not only about creating awareness but also to reaffim our commitment to protect and safeguard the environment for us and our future generations.

Why can't we treat every day as environmental day? its about a lifestyle not a mere celebration 

Like what Margaret Mead said "We won't have a society if we destroy the environment 
  wishes you a happy World Environment Day! its your day to celebrate and make a difference 

Monday 4 June 2012

Nigeria Plane Crash: Rescue Team recover Bodies

Nigerian rescue team recovered burnt human remains as investigators probed for clues on Monday after a plane slammed into a Lagos neighborhood, with all 153 on board killed and more feared dead on the ground.

Police fired tear gas at a surging crowd seeking to get a look at the crash site at one point on Monday morning, while at other spots around the site people desperately sought access to the wreckage to locate missing relatives.



Nigeria Plane Crash: Over 150 People Killed


A passenger plane that  crashed into a building in a densely populated neighborhood in Lagos, Nigeria is reported to have   killed  all 153 people on board.
The Boeing MD-83 of Dana Air came down near Lagos' Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Sunday. Pilots had radioed to air traffic control reporting engine trouble, a military official said.
Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigeria Emergency Management Agency told local press  that they are unsure of the number of people that were injured or killed. It is feared that all 153 people on board the aircraft died.
The plane came down in a densely populated neighborhood, smashing into homes and businesses, according to Nigeria local Press. Thousands of people were reportedly drawn to the crash, many to help any survivors out of the smoke and burning debris."The fear is that since it happened in a residential area, there may have been many people killed," said Yushau Shuaib, a spokesman for Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency.
The Dana Air plane was reportedly flying from Abuja, the nation's capital, to Lagos when the accident occurred. The head of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority said he doubted there would be any survivors in the crash.
At the time the aircraft went down, the weather was overcast but there were no storms. Authorities are investigating.

Malawi President Joyce Banda Vows to arrest Bashir


 Malawi president Joyce Banda has vowed to arrest Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir  if he dares to attend the Africa Union heads of state summit next month in the capital  Lilongwe.
International donors  have since commended Banda for making what they term as a bold decision, but some commentators wonder why Malawi is being forced to ban Al-Bashir when other countries have been hosting him. 
Other countries such as Zambia and South Africa already made their positions clear that if he dares to visit their respective countries he will be arrested.
Al-Bashir’s visit in October last year for the COMESA summit also caused an uproar between the Malawi government and western donors, considering the fact that he is wanted by the International Criminal Court for genocide charges in Darfur. 
The development led to the withdrawal of aid and suspension of budgetary support to Malawi, while other developmental partners advised the ICC to punish Malawi. The US government also suspended the 58 billion kwacha-Millenium Challenge Corporation energy grant to Malawi.
The late former president Bingu wa Mutharika defied calls not to allow Bashir  in Malawi dispite being a member of the ICC. Mutharika’s justification was that Malawi is a sovereign state and should not be told what to do.
Recently President Banda wrote the AU commission to consider inviting a representative of Sudan instead of Al-Bashir, fearing that his visit would again sour the current relationship with donors.
Banda  made her position clear after meeting the UK secretary of State Andrew Mitchell who was in Malawi on a three day official to re-launch the development and diplomatic partnership which went sour during the Mutharika administration. 

Sunday 3 June 2012

Passenger plane crashes in Lagos

A  passenger plane has crashed into a two-story building in the Nigerian city of Lagos. Officials have said there are many casualties, but  no exact numbers are available.

­ Emergency services have been dispatched to the location. The head of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority said the Dana Air flight was heading from Lagos to the capital Abuja.

According to unconfirmed reports, at least 153 people were on board the airplane.

The similar incident happened in neighboring Ghana on 2nd June 2012   where a cargo plane crash landed in Ghana capital hitting a bus full of passengers.

Saturday 2 June 2012

Mubarak has heart attack upon arriving at prison


The head of the Egyptian prison service confirmed that former President Hosni Mubarak has had a severe heart attack upon arriving at the Tora prison.

Mubarak, who was sentenced to life in prison for his part in the killing of protesters last year, was being treated by the medical crew that accompanied him on his way to the detention facility.

It is not known whether Mubarak will be referred to the hospital or not   

Mubarak Gets Life Sentence for Protest Deaths

An Egyptian court has sentenced former President Hosni Mubarak to life in prison for complicity in the killing of protesters during last year's uprising.

The 84-year-old Mubarak  is the first former leader to be tried in person since the start of the Arab Spring in early 2011.

However  Mubarak suffered a "health crisis" as he was being transferred to prison, Egyptian state TV reported.

Apart from Mubarak  one of the culprits  is former Interior Minister Habib al-Adly  who also got a life sentence, but the acquittal of four aides sparked fury.

Mubarak and his two sons were also acquitted on separate charges of corruption.
Shouting and scuffles erupted in court after the verdict was read out.

Friday 1 June 2012

News and Views across Africa: UN Congratuates Lesotho for holding peaceful elect...

News and Views across Africa: UN Congratuates Lesotho for holding peaceful elect...: United National Secretary general  Ban Ki-moon has  commended  the people of Lesotho for conducting peaceful elections recently for the Afr...

UN Congratuates Lesotho for holding peaceful elections

United National Secretary general  Ban Ki-moon has  commended  the people of Lesotho for conducting peaceful elections recently for the African country's National Assembly. his spokesperson said overnight.

“The Secretary-General acknowledges that this is an important step for Lesotho in the consolidation of peace following the two-year mediation process that concluded in 2011,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

 He further said that Moon  encourages all political parties to move forward in the democratic process peacefully and in accordance with the constitution.

According to media reports, in the parliamentary elections held on 26 May, the Democratic Congress party won 41 of 80 seats, while the All Basotho Convention, the main opposition, secured 26 seats.

  Moon's spokesperson added that the Secretary-General welcomes the professional work of the Independent Electoral Commission as well as the international and local electoral observer missions.

 A team of Commonwealth observers to the 26 May 2012 Parliamentary elections in Lesotho have also  said that the polls in the Southern Africa nation have so far been peaceful and credible.

 In an interim statement issued at a press conference by the Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group, former Malawi President Dr Bakili Muluzi, recently  in the Lesotho capital Maseru, the Group said that "it is the view of the Commonwealth Observer Group that this election was conducted in a credible, transparent and professional manner."

 "Despite the various shortcomings we have highlighted, they did not materially affect the conduct of the elections," Dr Muluzi said.

In April 2011, a two-year mediation process to peacefully resolve grievances stemming from disputed earlier polls in Lesotho successfully came to an end. The dispute followed the February 2007 general elections – the fifth elections to be held in the small African nation since it gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966 – regarding the allocation of the seats in the Parliament based on proportional representation.