DPP cracks down on ‘unauthorised’ meetings

Amid leadership tensions within the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the party has warned supporters against attending meetings and gatherings that have not been sanctioned by its leadership.

DPP Secretary general Peter Mukhitho issued the warning during a party meeting held in Blantyre, where he stressed that the party has only one recognised leader, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, and that all party members are expected to respect his leadership.

The remarks come amid increased attention surrounding the activities of Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, Jane Ansah, who has recently been visiting various churches for prayer gatherings.

Ansah has been conducting prayer visits to different churches, and Mukhitho’s comments appear to signal that the party leadership does not want its supporters to participate in such activities unless they have been officially endorsed by the party.

Mukhitho specifically cautioned party supporters against attending prayer gatherings organised outside the party’s official programme.

“If some people are going around under the guise of prayer meetings in churches, do not attend such gatherings if the party has not sanctioned them,” Mukhitho said.

He further urged party representatives to promote unity and strengthen cooperation among party members in their respective areas.

For several months, there have been growing perceptions of strained relations between President Mutharika and Vice President Ansah. The reported tensions have raised concerns among some observers, who argue that continued disagreements between the two leaders could have implications for the unity and stability of the ruling party.