Malawian diplomat rejects the role of his nation's ambassador to Zimbabwe

Thoko Banda says he will not sell out his human right responsibilities for a job

A Malawian diplomat has turned down the job of ambassador to Zimbabwe because he was opposed to dictatorship, he has told the BBC.

"People of conscience need to stand with the Zimbabwean population, especially those living in poverty and suffering human rights violations," said Thoko Banda. In 2006, he reportedly called Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe "an idiot". Mr Banda told the BBC he would no longer use these words.
 
Mr Mugabe has been in power in Zimbabwe since 1980 but denies carrying out human rights abuses.

Neither government has yet commented on Mr Banda's statement.