In brief
The Malawi Congress Party has demanded an explanation for President Peter Mutharika’s extended stays in South Africa, citing worsening fuel shortages, power cuts and economic strain. Mutharika left Malawi on October 6 for a private visit, marking his fifth trip this year. Government officials insist the president remains in control, while opposition leaders seek reassurance that the vice‑president is addressing the nation’s pressing issues. The country faces a severe foreign‑currency shortage, unpredictable electricity supply and long queues at petrol stations, heightening public frustration.
Malawi's opposition party, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), has demanded a public explanation for President Peter Mutharika's extended stays in South Africa. The demand comes amid mounting fuel shortages, blackouts and economic difficulties that have left many Malawians frustrated.
Mutharika left Malawi on 6 October for a 'private visit', marking his fifth trip to South Africa this year, while the details of each journey have been withheld from the public.
'Malawi is at a critical moment, and there is a need for decisive action,' the MCP said, urging Vice‑President Jane Ansah to address the nation about the country's mounting challenges.
Information Minister Shadric Namalomba dismissed concerns about a leadership vacuum, insisting that 'a state president is always in charge at any time, anywhere.' He characterised the opposition's questions as an attempt to exploit problems that pre‑date his administration.
Mutharika returned to the presidency in October last year after defeating former president Lazarus Chakwera, but his frequent overseas trips have aroused public scrutiny. His latest absence arrives at a time when Malawi is dealing with the crippling effects of a severe foreign‑currency shortage, leading to fuel import disruptions, rising transport costs, long queues at petrol stations, unreliable electricity and shortages of essential medicines.
Opposition leaders call for transparency and assurance that the government is actively tackling these crises, while the administration maintains executive control remains intact.
