The brother to former Malawi leader Bingu wa Mutharika and 11 other high-profile figures have been charged with treason for allegedly plotting a coup aimed at preventing Joyce Banda from assuming the presidency.
Former Foreign Minister Peter Mutharika asked the military to take over after his brother’s death, an official report said last week.
He is accused of seeking to block Vice-President Banda taking over, as required by the constitution.
Those charged have not entered pleas.
Since becoming president Ms Banda has reversed several policies.
She has devalued the currency – one of several moves demanded by Western donors who fell out with Mr Mutharika
The arrest sparked protests in the streets with anti-riot police engaging the protesters.
Several current and former ministers were among the 12 people charged.
Peter Mutharika is the DPP presidential candidate in elections due next year.
Although Ms Banda was elected as Bingu wa Mutharika’s running mate, the pair had fallen out long before he died of a heart attack last April, after it became apparent that he wanted his brother to succeed him.
Source:https://citizen.digital/
About Bingu wa Mutharika
Bingu wa Mutharika born Brightson Webster Ryson Thom; 24 February 1934 – 5 April 2012) was a Malawian politician and economist who was President of Malawi from May 2004 until his death in April 2012.
He was also President of the Democratic Progressive Party, which he founded in February 2005; it obtained a majority in Malawi’s parliament in the 2009 general election.
During his two terms in office, he was noted for being the Chairperson of the African Union in 2010–2011, as well as for several domestic controversies.
In 2009, he purchased a private presidential jet for $13.26 million. This was followed almost immediately by a nationwide fuel shortage, which was officially blamed on logistical problems but was more likely due to the hard currency shortage caused by the freezing of aid by the international community. He died in office from a cardiac arrest on 5 April 2012, at age 78.
Source-https://en.wikipedia.org/
