TheCable

Lazarus Chakwera, the president of Malawi, is said to have travelled to the United Kingdom (UK) to attend a virtual conference.

Although Chakwera is alleged to have said poor internet connection in his country informed his decision to travel to the UK for the virtual conference, Brian Branda, the government’s spokesman, told TheCable that the president never made such a statement.

“I did not say that, and nobody at the palace said that; this is the work of our detractors and we have issued a statement of all the engagements the president is going to have in London,” he said.

“To answer your question, it is being created by people who do not like this administration, state house also issued a statement on the same, saying they are total lies and fabrications.”

Chakwera left his country to attend the Global Education Summit which is hosted by Boris Johnson, British prime minister, and Malawi, being one of the beneficiaries of the programme, needed representation.

The Malawi president listed 10 delegates who accompanied him on the journey, including his wife and daughter, but he reportedly dropped the minister for foreign affairs.

According to him, his daughter was included in the delegation to take care of his wife who is not feeling well and to give physical support.

The president’s reason for embarking on the journey sparked criticism in Malawi and some critics accused him of nepotism.

Editor’s note: This article has been modified because the comment on ‘poor internet connection’ is unconfirmed.