Chakufwa Chihana. Malawian politician

BLANTYRE – Malawi’s leading pro-democracy campaigner, Chakufwa Chihana (67), has died.

Chihana was an archrival of the nation’s founder, Kamuzu Banda. A former trade union leader and human rights advocate, Chihana vehemently opposed Banda’s three-decade dictatorial rule.In the 1970s, Chihana was detained for six years without trial.He led the country’s first underground political movement, which, with international support, pressed Banda to call for a referendum on political pluralism.That culminated in the first multi-party elections, in 1994.Banda’s iron-fisted rule was characterised by human rights abuses.Chihana served as second vice president under Banda’s successor, Bakili Muluzi.- Nampa-AFPA former trade union leader and human rights advocate, Chihana vehemently opposed Banda’s three-decade dictatorial rule.In the 1970s, Chihana was detained for six years without trial.He led the country’s first underground political movement, which, with international support, pressed Banda to call for a referendum on political pluralism.That culminated in the first multi-party elections, in 1994.Banda’s iron-fisted rule was characterised by human rights abuses.Chihana served as second vice president under Banda’s successor, Bakili Muluzi.- Nampa-AFP