PANAPRESS
Panafrican News Agency
Zambia's new President is persona non grata in Malawi
Blantyre, Malawi (PANA) - The victory of Zambia's new President Michael Sata would be interesting in Malawi, not necessarily because of what the triumph of an opposition leader may portend for its own elections in the next three years, but because the new President is actually not welcome in Malawi, if the law is followed to the letter.
According to legal practitioner Ralph Kasambara, Sata was arrested at Chileka international Airport in Blantyre 15 March, 2007, when he flew into Malawi to hold talks with former president Bakili Muluzi.
"No reasons were given for his arrest but he was detained for several hours at Blantyre Police Station, where he was declared Persona non grata (PNG) or Prohibited Immigrant (PI)," Kasambara said.
He was then driven 500 kilometres and dumped at Mwami Border Post on the Malawi-Zambia border.
The maverick politician who is known as 'King Cobra' in Zambia actually sued Malawi for defamation and character assassination.
"He sued for defamation and wrongful detention," said Kasambara, who represented the man who would be President of the copper-rich nation, adding "the case was concluded, we are just waiting for Justice Healey Potani's judgement."
According to laws, Sata is still PNG or PI in Malawi, unless Chief Immigration Officer Elvis Thodi reverses his status. Thodi was not answering his phones on Friday.
Despite President Bingu wa Mutharika congratulating the new Zambian leader and urging Malawians to celebrate with their northern neighbours, he flew to Lusaka but it was uncertain he attended the swearing-in ceremony of the new Zambian leader.
However, it seems he was not at the actual ceremony, for he was not seen anywhere on the high table. It was not even clear whether he was invited by Sata's handlers, for he announced his plans to fly to Lusaka way before King Cobra was declared winner.
"He was obviously invited by President Banda for Sata's people couldn't have powers to draw up a list of invitees on Wednesday when it wasn't clear he would emerge victorious," said a source familiar with government protocol.
It is not even clear whether Mutharika used the occasion to personally congratulate Sata.
"It seems he just flew to Lusaka and flew back to Blantyre," said the source, noting "It is not clear why this trip was necessary."
It will, however, be interesting if the new Zambian leader has forgotten that little wooden bench at that crowded and dirty police station in Blantyre on 15 March, 2007 and the uncomfortable and unplanned long drive to the border.
-0- PANA RT/BOS 23Sept2011
According to legal practitioner Ralph Kasambara, Sata was arrested at Chileka international Airport in Blantyre 15 March, 2007, when he flew into Malawi to hold talks with former president Bakili Muluzi.
"No reasons were given for his arrest but he was detained for several hours at Blantyre Police Station, where he was declared Persona non grata (PNG) or Prohibited Immigrant (PI)," Kasambara said.
He was then driven 500 kilometres and dumped at Mwami Border Post on the Malawi-Zambia border.
The maverick politician who is known as 'King Cobra' in Zambia actually sued Malawi for defamation and character assassination.
"He sued for defamation and wrongful detention," said Kasambara, who represented the man who would be President of the copper-rich nation, adding "the case was concluded, we are just waiting for Justice Healey Potani's judgement."
According to laws, Sata is still PNG or PI in Malawi, unless Chief Immigration Officer Elvis Thodi reverses his status. Thodi was not answering his phones on Friday.
Despite President Bingu wa Mutharika congratulating the new Zambian leader and urging Malawians to celebrate with their northern neighbours, he flew to Lusaka but it was uncertain he attended the swearing-in ceremony of the new Zambian leader.
However, it seems he was not at the actual ceremony, for he was not seen anywhere on the high table. It was not even clear whether he was invited by Sata's handlers, for he announced his plans to fly to Lusaka way before King Cobra was declared winner.
"He was obviously invited by President Banda for Sata's people couldn't have powers to draw up a list of invitees on Wednesday when it wasn't clear he would emerge victorious," said a source familiar with government protocol.
It is not even clear whether Mutharika used the occasion to personally congratulate Sata.
"It seems he just flew to Lusaka and flew back to Blantyre," said the source, noting "It is not clear why this trip was necessary."
It will, however, be interesting if the new Zambian leader has forgotten that little wooden bench at that crowded and dirty police station in Blantyre on 15 March, 2007 and the uncomfortable and unplanned long drive to the border.
-0- PANA RT/BOS 23Sept2011
