In a surprising turn of events, former human rights activist and ex-minister of national unity and civic education, Timothy Mtambo, is now the underdog in his quest for political relevance. His recent alignment with the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) has been complicated by negotiations between AFORD’s president, Enock Chihana, and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), led by former President Peter Mutharika.
Following his removal from Chakwera’s cabinet due to underperformance, Mtambo sought refuge in AFORD, where he became Vice President. However, his ambitions are pushed on a cliff edge by Mutharika’s strict condition for any coalition: Mtambo must not be included in the arrangement. This stipulation stems from a history of animosity, as Mtambo previously led protests against Mutharika during his time with the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC).
Sources close to the situation reveal that Mtambo’s attempts to meet with Mutharika have been rebuffed on three occasions. Sources have confided in Shire Times that during Mutharika’s trip to Mzuzu for a DPP rally which was held last month, Mtambo attempted to engage Mutharika, but the former president declined to converse. The rebuff left Mtambo embarrassed and was on the verge of quitting his efforts until his boss, Enoch Chihana, assured him that he [Chihana] wouod continue negotiations with Mutharika. Chihana even advising Mtambo to attend the Mulhakho wa Alhomwe event in Thyolo to demonstrate his willingness to reconcile. But Mutharika stood his ground, this time barely greeting Mtambo with indifference instead while facing away.
In a desperate bid to cultivate Mutharika’s acceptance, Mtambo has pledged to orchestrate demonstrations against the government, seeking Mutharika’s forgiveness. However, this move has drawn criticism from DPP veteran activist Sylvester Namiwa, who served as State House Press Officer under DPP’s tenure in 2014 . Namiwa chastises Mtambo’s tactics, claiming he is merely trying to infiltrate the DPP under the guise of activism while expressing personal frustration and hunting for a political refuge within the party.
As tensions mount within AFORD and DPP, Mtambo’s political future hangs in the balance, raising questions about the impact of his actions on the fragile state of opposition coalitions that the opposition parties are aspiring to forge ahead of 2025 electoral battle with the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
