Ex-Malawi president’s arrest for theft could be politically motivated

Former President of Malawi and head of the country’s opposition United Democratic Front, Bakili Muluzi, was Thursday arrested and charged for allegedly siphoning off about US$11 million in donor money meant for aid into his private account. According to the BBC’s Malawi political analyst Rafiq Hajat, this could be a “policital stratagem”. Supporters of the former president have also claimed that the arrest is politically motivated. His aide, Henry Mvula, is reported as saying that this occurrence is a “typical African way of running away from competition”. Malawi is to hold elections in May, 2009. Mr. Muluzi had earlier indicated his intention to run against current president, Bingu wa Mutharika.