Peter Mutharika returns to Malawi and denies ruling by proxy
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Malawi Voice
Malawian President Peter Mutharika returned from South Africa on 31 October and said he had remained involved in running national affairs during his absence. He also attributed fuel shortages to transport difficulties from regional ports, according to a statement relayed by the Malawian government.
Peter Mutharika said he had maintained regular communication with Justin Saidi and ministers to ensure the continuity of government business. He also explained that fuel reserves available at the ports of Tanga and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, as well as Nacala and Beira in Mozambique, were not reaching Malawi because of transport and logistical difficulties. He called on the public to be patient while his administration sought to improve supplies, Malawi Voice reports.
His return comes after opposition questions about who was running the country during his absence and its accusations that shortages were worsening. These statements were reported on 22 October, before the publication on 25 October of a report stating that he had spent 72 days abroad.
