Malawi MP on hunger strike

Muluzi is opposed to a coalition government

By Raphael Tenthani Blantyre

A Malawian opposition MP has been on hunger strike for the past four days.

Greenwell Lulilo Mwamondwe - an outspoken legislator with Alliance for Democracy or Aford - is protesting against what he calls the police's unfair handling of political cases in his constituency, which is in the northern district of Karonga.

I will continue my protest for as long as it takes for the police to change their attitude

Greenwell Lulilo Mwamondwe

Mr Mwamondwe told me by telephone that had been surviving on water and tea without sugar.

Mr Mwamondwe's woes began a few months ago when he led a group of parliamentarians protesting against Aford leader Chakufwa Chihana's increasingly cosy relationship with President Bakili Muluzi and the ruling United Democratic Front.

Mr Chihana, formerly an outspoken critic of Mr Muluzi, has recently been talking about forming a government of national unity with the UDF, even though President Muluzi continues to give the idea a cool reception.

'Peaceful country'

Mr Muluzi has been taking Mr Chihana to many public engagements recently but the president says national unity governments are only needed in countries where there has been civil strife.

"We are a peaceful country so I don't see no reason to form a government of national unity," said Mr Muluzi.

The issue has split Aford into two factions and there have been violent clashes between youths from both sides, particularly in Mr Mwamondwe's constituency.

Mr Mwamondwe told me that he had decided to stop eating because of the way police treated his supporters whenever they were arrested in these clashes.

By contrast, he said, supporters of Mr Chihana were always released without charge.

"I will continue my protest for as long as it takes for the police to change their attitude," he said.