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Hurry before they bring out the Cheerleaders!
Posted on 06/09/2002 3:19:20 AM PDT by Clive
Muluzi says the West wants Malawi as a puppet state President Bakili Muluzi has told Western governments not to interfere in Malawi's internal affairs.
He took particular exception to outside comment on efforts by his ruling United Democratic Front party to change the constitution so that presidents may serve more than two terms.
Mr Muluzi - whose second five-year term of office ends in 2004 - was apparently reacting to a statement from the US embassy in the capital of Lilongwe.
That release followed one by Britain - the former colonial power - which cautioned Malawi against adopting any constitutional amendment.
Mr Muluzi, who has not said if he wishes to seek a third term, was visibly angry at what he saw as interference.
"I refuse to be dictated to, that's dictatorship," he said.
"The third term issue is not their business." He accused nations which provide aid to Malawi of trying to take advantage of his impoverished country and turn it into a puppet state.
'Brink of dictatorship'
The US statement seemed to criticise Mr Muluzi's ban on demonstrations by people in favour or against changing the constitution to allow a third term.
"The proposed constitutional amendment clearly represents an important national decision for Malawians with potential far-reaching consequences for the country," it said.
"The United States Government strongly urges a process of careful consideration of this proposal that provides for the open and unhindered peaceful participation and expression of views of all Malawians."
Despite the protest ban, religious leaders opposed to a third term said they still planned to hold meetings this weekend.
Roman Catholics and Protestants will gather in Lilongwe and Blantyre for non-denominational prayers one organiser said would ask God to bring Malawi back from the brink of dictatorship.
Not enough fertile land, too much tribalism, weak democratic traditions, too many assault rifles in the wrong hands, constant jerking around by nearly every foreign power for the last 250-400 years, etc. etc...
The sad thing is that Africa could be something great if they could just get themselves together.
Hurry before they bring out the Cheerleaders!
Can't say I disagree.
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