A Livingstonia University based political analyst George Phiri has doubted the viability of political dialogue that former president Bakili Muluzi has been mediating over the political stalemate that has hit the country.  

The remarks follow a letter that the former president has addressed to the chairperson of the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), Timothy Mtambo calling for dialogue over plans to shut down Malawi’s borders and airports from August 26 to 30 as part of anti-Jane Ansah demonstrations.

Speaking to YFM Online, George Phiri said the former president is lacking trust and seriousness over his approach to dialogue with conflicting parties.

“Malawians at the moment are very angry, they need to take a very serious survey, not subjective one, otherwise Malawi will never be reunited again, if they take these things for granted that Malawians were this and they think they will do this, they will learn bitter lessons, they will fail considerably,” cautioned Phiri.

The mediation talks come few weeks after Muluzi met president Mutharika and HRDC members on the current political situation.

According Phiri, Muluzi`s approach to mediation talks is questionable in relation to his political background with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

“Leaders that are into dialogue need to take this thing seriously, they should not take it for their personal interest, we know Bakili Muluzi had interest in government because of the case he has with government, and because of that he comprises a lot when he comes to government side,” said Phiri.

Meanwhile, HRDC has snubbed Muluzi’s invitation citing that the talks will only come into effect if Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Justice Jane Ansah and President Mutharika avail themselves into the next proposed meeting.