A concerned Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporter, MacDonald Nyambo, has penned party president Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, warning that superficial reconciliations and unresolved internal divisions threaten the party’s unity and future prospects following its loss in the September 16 elections.
In the letter seen by this publication titled “Cosmetic Reconciliations, a Cancer That Needs Instant Attention and Healing,” Nyambo commended Chakwera for finally convening the long-awaited National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and for his appeal to end factionalism within the party.
However, the MCP supporter expressed concern that the recent NEC deliberations fell short of addressing deep-seated issues that continue to divide the party. He described the party’s reconciliation efforts as “sugar-coating serious issues,” warning that such an approach could derail genuine rebuilding efforts.
Nyambo particularly criticized the MCP Secretary General, Richard Chimwendo Banda, accusing him of practicing a “non-inclusive style of leadership” that contributed to the party’s defeat in the September polls. He also highlighted what he called a persistent feud between the party’s Vice President for the North, Catherine Gotani Hara, and former running mate, Vitumbiko Mumba.
“It is clear that individuals like the current Secretary General are a menace to the local Malawi Congress party supporters who appreciate that yes he has been making good noise but his non inclusive style of leadership has contributed to our painful and tragic loss on 16 September,” he wrote.
Nyambo alleged that Gotani Hara was largely absent from the party’s campaign activities and only resurfaced recently as members began canvassing for parliamentary leadership positions.
“For a start, immediately you unveiled Mumba as your runningmate, Hon Gotani Hara went into cacoon only to re appear now as people are canvassing for parliamentary leadership positions; typical of her,” he claimed.
Nyambo urged Chakwera to organize a mega rally in the Northern Region to allow Hara to publicly explain her absence during the campaign period and to end what he described as “paid propaganda machinery” targeting Mumba.
The letter also called for a reshuffle in the party’s parliamentary leadership, suggesting that Chakwera consider appointing an independent legislator, specifically Mumba as Leader of Opposition.
Nyambo argued that such a move would “restore sanity within the MCP fold in the North,” and would also show that Chakwera is not biased toward his home district of Lilongwe as he has been accused of.
