Malawi writes to AU over riot deaths

• Opposition parties warn that they will hold more protests on September 21

Malawi government has written Africa Union and Economic Commission for Africa explaining the unprecedented July 20 protests that resulted in 19 people dead.

Malawi Embassy in Ethiopia explained in a release that the protests had nothing to do with the issues raised in the petition contrary to the belief of President Bingu wa Mutharika’s regime that they were organised by opposition political parties with the aim of overthrowing it.

The release read in part: “Issues about fuel and forex shortages were problems that Malawi experienced under previous governments formed by the same parties that now have partnered with the NGOs.’’

Malawi said fuel shortage arose because the World Bank prevailed upon the government to privatise the purchase, importation, marketing and distribution of petroleum products - now done under the privately owned firm: Petroleum Import Limited.

Malawi also said its landlocked nature, with very long distances from Indian Ocean ports has meant that any delays at the ports resulted in the depletion of its limited fuel reserves.

With respect to foreign exchange, the International Monetary Fund insisted that the proceeds from Malawi’s major exports, including tobacco, be kept with Commercial Banks and not the Central Bank causing the government to have no control over the same.

Civil society organisations insist they will organise more protests on September 21.