US suspends Malawi aid
A Malawian soldier patrolling the deserted streets of the capital Lilongwe after anti-government protests were violently crushed earlier this month.
The US has suspended $350 million worth of aid to Malawi following a violent crackdown on anti-government demonstrators that left at least 18 people dead this month.
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a US government agency, said the money intended to help bring reliable electricity to 6 million Malawians had been put on hold and may be withdrawn altogether.
The MCC echoed an earlier comment from the State Department saying it was “deeply concerned” by events in Malawi that showed the country was failing in its commitment to “political pluralism, human rights and the rule of law”.
The suspension piles the pressure on President Bingu wa Mutharika whose attacks on peaceful protestors drew condemnation from the US, European Union and Britain.
Mutarika’s fast and public descent to pariah status began in earnest in May.
He expelled Britain’s ambassador after a leaked diplomatic cable described the president as “autocratic” and “intolerant”.
In response Britain – Malawi’s biggest donor – kicked out Malawi’s ambassador, withdrew an invitation to the royal wedding and then cut aid worth around $31 million a week before the protests against the rising cost of living erupted in the capital and other towns.
Around 500 people were arrested and half of them appeared in courts across Malawi this week charged with crimes including arson, looting and theft.