Chakwera Draws Criticism for Tanzania Trip Amid Soldiers' Deaths.
LILONGWE, Malawi - President Lazarus Chakwera faces backlash for his upcoming trip to Tanzania as the nation mourns soldiers killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Analysts and commentators question his priorities and respect for the Malawi Defence Force (MDF).
Chakwera, the MDF commander-in-chief, will attend a two-day energy summit in Dar es Salaam from Monday to Wednesday. He is expected to sign a $300 million loan to finance Malawi's energy sector.
Critics argue that the trip is an "insult to the MDF and officers who put their lives on the line for the country." They point out that the MDF safeguarded pro-Chakwera demonstrations in 2019 and 2020, leading to his presidency.
A commentator in Berlin, who requested anonymity due to recent arrests of dissenting voices, said Chakwera's decision shows a lack of sound judgment. Tanzania has claimed a portion of Lake Malawi, and the soldiers needed to defend Malawi are dying in terror attacks.
"What message is he sending to the Malawi Army, whose Commander-in-Chief he is?" the analyst asked.
Others accuse Chakwera of loving the Malawi uniform only for aesthetics and photo ops. They question his love for the officers as their Commander-in-Chief.
Malawians commenting on the story suggest Chakwera may as well not return due to his poor leadership and lack of remorse. They draw parallels to his handling of Vice President Saulos Chilima's untimely demise in a plane crash.
Readers remind others of Chakwera's nickname, "Siku Transport," due to his frequent travels. Some comments contain explicit remarks that breach ethical standards.
The UN is holding an emergency meeting following the M23 militia terror attacks, allegedly backed by Rwanda.
LILONGWE, Malawi - President Lazarus Chakwera faces backlash for his upcoming trip to Tanzania as the nation mourns soldiers killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Analysts and commentators question his priorities and respect for the Malawi Defence Force (MDF).
Chakwera, the MDF commander-in-chief, will attend a two-day energy summit in Dar es Salaam from Monday to Wednesday. He is expected to sign a $300 million loan to finance Malawi's energy sector.
Critics argue that the trip is an "insult to the MDF and officers who put their lives on the line for the country." They point out that the MDF safeguarded pro-Chakwera demonstrations in 2019 and 2020, leading to his presidency.
A commentator in Berlin, who requested anonymity due to recent arrests of dissenting voices, said Chakwera's decision shows a lack of sound judgment. Tanzania has claimed a portion of Lake Malawi, and the soldiers needed to defend Malawi are dying in terror attacks.
"What message is he sending to the Malawi Army, whose Commander-in-Chief he is?" the analyst asked.
Others accuse Chakwera of loving the Malawi uniform only for aesthetics and photo ops. They question his love for the officers as their Commander-in-Chief.
Malawians commenting on the story suggest Chakwera may as well not return due to his poor leadership and lack of remorse. They draw parallels to his handling of Vice President Saulos Chilima's untimely demise in a plane crash.
Readers remind others of Chakwera's nickname, "Siku Transport," due to his frequent travels. Some comments contain explicit remarks that breach ethical standards.
The UN is holding an emergency meeting following the M23 militia terror attacks, allegedly backed by Rwanda.
