Letter: Malawi misrule

Published on 10/04/2012 00:00

WHILE one can acknowledge Jack McConnell’s sympathies following the death of President Mutharika of Malawi, the latter’s eight-year rule was one recently bedevilled by accusations of mismanagement and autocracy – this in one of the poorest countries in the world, with an estimated 75 per cent of the population living on less than $1 (60p) a day.

Last year the UK, the former colonial power, withdrew its direct aid due to Malawian government mishandling of the economy and a failure to uphold human rights.

The country has suffered shortages of fuel and foreign currency since then, and as people struggled with rising prices and fuel shortages, frustration and anger spilled over into the streets and the country experienced some of the worst riots in its history.

With Malawi’s vice-president, Joyce Banda – who had previously fallen out with Mutharika – sworn in as president following his death, one hopes that diplomatic relations can be restored with the UK and a timetable towards much needed aid outlined.

Alex Orr

Leamington Terrace

Edinburgh