In brief
The Malawi Congress Party has confronted President Peter Mutharika over his repeated trips to South Africa, accusing the 86‑year‑old leader of neglecting a nation facing chronic fuel shortages, power cuts and a lack of essential medicines. Information Minister Shadric Namalomba denied any leadership vacuum, insisting that the president remains in charge. Despite delegating duties to his trade minister for regional meetings, the opposition insists that Vice‑President Jane Ansah must step forward to address the country’s mounting crises. The situation highlights the sharp divide between the ruling party and its critics over how to tackle Malawi’s economic and infrastructural challenges.
Malawi's opposition has lodged formal accusations against President Peter Mutharika, demanding an explanation for his fifth overseas trip in just six months. The 86‑year‑old leader, who returned to power in October 2025 after a dispute with previous president Lazarus Chakwera, announced a private visit to South Africa on 6 October.
The country is currently facing chronic fuel shortages, irregular electricity supply and a dearth of essential medicines, a situation that has left many Malawians queuing for petrol and enduring repeated blackouts. The opposition, led by the Malawi Congress Party, says the president’s extended absence at a time of crisis indicates a leadership vacuum.
Information Minister Shadric Namalomba rejected those claims, insisting that "a state president is always in charge at any time, anywhere." He also dismissed speculation that Mutharika might have travelled to India for medical treatment, calling it "unverified."
Mutharika’s government has instead delegated key duties, such as leading the delegation to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) summit in Zimbabwe, to the trade minister. Yet the opposition remains unsatisfied, demanding that Vice‑President Jane Ansah address the nation and outline a concrete plan to mitigate the fuel and electricity crises.
Experts warn that Malawi’s foreign‑currency deficit, which hampers fuel imports, may worsen unless urgent policy measures are taken. The situation underscores the growing divide between the ruling party and opposition over how the nation should navigate its economic and infrastructural challenges.
