Cassim Chilumpha
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Dr. Cassim Chilumpha (born 29 November 1958) has been vice-president of Malawi since 16 June 2004. He is a member of the United Democratic Front (UDF) party.
On 9 February 2006, President Bingu wa Mutharika sacked Chilumpha, accusing him of attempting to run a parallel government and claiming that he had attacked the government and seriously undermined its integrity.[1] On 10 February, however, a high court granted an injunction to prevent Chilumpha's dismissal until the constitutional court could decide on whether parliamentary approval is necessary for the vice-president to be dismissed.[2]
He was arrested at his home on 28 April 2006 and transferred to custody in the capital, Lilongwe, accused of treason.[3] Chilumpha was accused of conspiring with Yusuf Matumula and Rashid Nembo to have Mutharika assassinated.[4] Chilumpha's lawyer said he was seeking bail for his client, and the UDF described the arrest as political persecution.
Chilumpha's trial began on 30 January 2007. He says that he is facing political persecution because of his refusal to join Mutharika's party, the Democratic Progressive Party,[5] and in court he initially refused to enter a plea.[6] Charges against Nembo were dropped.[5] On 26 February, Chilumpha and Matumula pleaded not guilty.[7]
Prior to becoming Vice-President, Chilumpha served as finance minister in the administration of Bakili Muluzi from March 1998 to 2000.
[edit] References
- ^ "Malawi leader sacks 'arrogant' deputy", AFP (IOL), February 10, 2006.
- ^ "Court stops sacking of deputy president", AFP (IOL), February 10, 2006.
- ^ Raphael Tenthani, "Vice-president arrested on treason charges", AP (IOL), April 29, 2006.
- ^ "Malawi VP appears on treason charges", AP (IOL), May 3, 2006.
- ^ a b Raphael Tenthani, "Chilumpha begins treason trial", AP (IOL), January 31, 2007.
- ^ "Malawi vice president refuses to enter plea", AFP (IOL), February 8, 2007.
- ^ "Chilumpha pleads not guilty to treason charge", AFP (IOL), February 27, 2007.
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