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Malawi: New president, Mutharika, open to debate on federalism and secession
Newly elected Malawi President Peter Mutharika earlier this week revealed that his administration would not stop any Malawian one from advocating for federalism and secession because he believes in freedom of expression as enshrined in the country’s constitution.
In his address to the nation, he said, he would love to see a healthy debate on the calls of federalism.
“What is important is the outcome of the whole debate and should be what is in the interest of Malawians,” he said. He emphasized that those advocating for the issue should do so in an honest manner without selfish ulterior motives which could lead to societal disintegration.
Mutharika further said it is up to Malawians to decide on what it is in the best interest of the country or a particular region.
“Our national interests are defined by a number of aspects such as economic, social, political interests and others which define the identity as Malawians,” he added.
Some groups, especially from the north, are increasingly leaning towards secession from Malawi. The country has four administrative regions which include: eastern, central, southern and northern.
During the 2006 constitutional review, Mutharika then a Professor at the Washington School of Law provided alternatives and suggestions. He had proposed a rotational presidency; federalism and proportional representation as three ways of addressing concerns about regional marginalization.
The conversation about the nature of governance that Malawi should about has opened up a spirited debate. Opponents of federal system argue Malawi should instead decentralize programs and devolve administrative powers to the districts, while proponents argue that a federal system would help the country develop equitably and check nepotism perpetrated by the current centralized system of government.
Malawi is a relatively small country covering approximately 118,500 square kilometers with a population of 17 million.