In Malawi, Patricia Kaliati, a senior figure in the opposition UTM party, has been charged with conspiring to assassinate the country’s President, Lazarus Chakwera.
The 57-year-old politician, who currently serves as UTM’s secretary general, was detained last week under suspicion of “conspiring with others to commit a serious offence.” She made a court appearance on Monday in Lilongwe, the Malawian capital, although she did not speak publicly.
Kaliati’s lawyer has insisted on her innocence, arguing that the charges are without basis. Details surrounding the alleged assassination plot remain scarce, fueling speculation among opposition figures who claim the accusations are politically motivated. Supporters of the UTM party gathered outside the court to express their dissent, singing anti-government songs in a show of solidarity, according to reports from the AFP news agency.
Inside the courtroom, the state presented a case involving two alleged co-conspirators, who are reportedly evading capture. The state prosecutor sought an extension to keep Kaliati in custody for an additional week, but the magistrate ultimately ruled that she could be released on bail while investigations proceed. Authorities have stated that Kaliati’s rights will be upheld throughout the legal process.
The UTM party, which had been part of Malawi’s coalition government, withdrew from the ruling alliance in June following the death of its leader, Saulos Chilima. Chilima, who had been serving as vice-president, died in a tragic accident when a military aircraft he was aboard crashed in a forest in northern Malawi. Following this, Kaliati emerged as a leading candidate to replace Chilima as UTM leader, with ambitions to challenge President Chakwera in the forthcoming 2025 election.
Kaliati, who entered politics after working as a primary school teacher, is widely recognized for her forthright and outspoken nature. Her current legal troubles have drawn significant attention within Malawi, as the country braces for a potentially turbulent political climate ahead of next year’s election.
