In a bizarre display of outrage, the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has launched a vicious attack on former President Peter Mutharika, barely two days after he delivered a scathing national address that tore into the party’s governance record.
Mutharika’s address, which was his first since leaving office, was a constructive and hopeful message that highlighted the MCP’s failures in running the government. However, instead of addressing the substance of Mutharika’s criticisms, the MCP has chosen to launch a personal and vitriolic attack on the former president.
In a shocking statement, MCP’s learned minister, Kabwira, who was once a lecturer and educated in Botswana, claimed that Mutharika is old and that his supporters are using and forcing him. Kabwira’s statement was all the more remarkable for its failure to dispute any of the points raised by Mutharika in his address.
Not to be outdone, MCP agent Undule Mwakasangula jumped into the fray, accusing Mutharika of making a national address without permission. Mwakasangula’s claim has been widely ridiculed, with many pointing out that there is no law in Malawi that prohibits former presidents from addressing the nation.
The MCP’s furious reaction to Mutharika’s address has left many in Malawi scratching their heads. “It’s clear that the MCP is completely out of touch with the people,” said one observer. “Instead of addressing the real issues facing the country, they’re busy launching personal attacks on Mutharika. It’s a shameful display of desperation.”
Others have noted that the MCP’s behavior is eerily reminiscent of an opposition party, rather than a ruling party. “The MCP is acting like it’s in opposition, not in government,” said another observer. “It’s a bizarre sight to see a ruling party so clearly out of its depth.”
As the MCP continues to flail in response to Mutharika’s address, many in Malawi are left wondering what the party’s next move will be. One thing is certain, however: the MCP’s furious reaction to Mutharika’s address has only served to highlight the party’s own failures and weaknesses.
In the end, it seems that Mutharika’s address has struck a nerve with the MCP. As one commentator noted, “Mutharika hit the nail on the head with his address. The MCP’s reaction is proof that he’s got them rattled.”
