Africa

Africa

Malawi Cabinet Dissolved Following Protests

20 August 2011 03:09 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika has dissolved his cabinet in the wake of last month’s deadly protests, APA reports quoting VOA.

The state-run Malawi Broadcasting Corporation announced the move late Friday. It did not give a reason for the dissolution or say when a new cabinet would be named.

Last month, 19 people were killed in Malawi during clashes between anti-government demonstrators and security forces. The demonstrators were protesting fuel shortages, rising prices and eroding civil liberties. They have also called on the president to declare his wealth.

A coalition of civil society groups agreed this week to talks with the government facilitated by the United Nations. However, they have promised more demonstrations if the government does not address their concerns.

Amnesty International has called on Malawi to stop using live ammunition against protesters and to allow people to express their opinion without fear of reprisal.

The United States froze a $350 million aid package to Malawi in response to the violence.