By Burnett Munthali
In a surprising turn of events, several United Democratic Front (UDF) members have defied the party’s leadership under Atupele Muluzi and his father, former President Bakili Muluzi, by participating in a joint press briefing organized by opposition parties Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), and United Transformation Movement (UTM). The press briefing, held in Lilongwe, was focused on pressing national issues ahead of next year’s general elections.
- Kalindo calls government to address pensioners problemsBy Vincent Gunde Political activist Bon Kalindo, has appealed to government to address problems pensioners in Malawi are sailing through claiming that these pensioners are finding it hard to access their money. Kalindo has expressed his great concern over some companies which are failing to remit money to insurance companies claiming that when pensioners go… Read more: Kalindo calls government to address pensioners problems
- Two Years On: Malawi Remembers Late Vice President Saulos ChilimaBy Burnett Munthali This day on June 9, 2024 marks two years since late Vice President Saulos Chilima landed at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe on his return from Seoul, South Korea. Related Kaliati accuses Chakwera government of undermining Saulos Chilima’s vision The arrival, captured in images that circulated widely at the time, would be… Read more: Two Years On: Malawi Remembers Late Vice President Saulos Chilima
- Police arrests Kapondamgaga, court cancels his warrant of arrestBy Vincent Gunde The Malawi Police Service (MPS) have arrested former State House Chief of Staff during the reign of President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and his MCP government, Prince Kapondamgaga. Kapondamgaga has been arrested alongside with Chizaso Nyirongo who was the Board Chairperson of the Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF).Growing Frustration as Malawians Reject… Read more: Police arrests Kapondamgaga, court cancels his warrant of arrest
- Mzuni students benefit from NBM plc Mo Excellence scholarshipBy Suleman Chitera National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has awarded scholarships to 57 needy students across various public universities in the country, including four from Mzuzu University (Mzuni), as it continues implementing its Mo Excellence Programme.NBM plc launches ‘Waku WAFCON’ promo The Bank launched the initiative at the University of Agriculture and Natural Resources… Read more: Mzuni students benefit from NBM plc Mo Excellence scholarship
- Etihad Airways Expects Full Recovery After Iran War Travel DisruptionsBy Suleman Chitera ABU DHABI — Etihad Airways expects to return to pre-war passenger traffic levels and operational capacity this summer following travel disruptions caused by the Iran conflict, with the airline also planning to keep airfares stable despite rising fuel costs. Etihad Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said the Abu Dhabi-based carrier anticipates operating… Read more: Etihad Airways Expects Full Recovery After Iran War Travel Disruptions
- NBM plc drives digital financial inclusion, calls for review of transaction leviesBy Suleman Chitera National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc says it is actively investing in innovative digital solutions to simplify transactions and expand access to financial services, positioning itself at the forefront of driving financial inclusion in the country. The bank’s Head of Digital Banking, William Kaunda made the remarks in Lilongwe during this year’s… Read more: NBM plc drives digital financial inclusion, calls for review of transaction levies
- World Cup 2026: DR Congo friendly to be played behind closed doorsByFlora Snelson DR Congo’s final World Cup warm-up game against Chile will take place behind closed doors amid concerns about the Ebola outbreak in the African nation. The match is scheduled to take place in the French city of Orleans on Tuesday (16:00 BST). It had been due to be played in La Linea de… Read more: World Cup 2026: DR Congo friendly to be played behind closed doors
- Thousands of Graduates Still Jobless: The Growing Youth Unemployment Challenge in MalawiBy Suleman Chitera Malawi’s youth unemployment crisis continues to deepen as thousands of graduates leave colleges and universities each year only to face a harsh reality: there are simply not enough jobs available. Despite years of investment in education and skills development, many young Malawians are struggling to secure meaningful employment, raising concerns about the… Read more: Thousands of Graduates Still Jobless: The Growing Youth Unemployment Challenge in Malawi
- What the MEC Relocation Dispute Means for Malawi’s Electoral FutureBy Suleman Chitera The ongoing legal battle over the proposed relocation of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) headquarters from Lilongwe to Blantyre has evolved into more than just an administrative dispute. It has become a significant test of constitutional governance, institutional independence, and public confidence in Malawi’s democratic processes ahead of future elections.MEC Headquarters Relocation… Read more: What the MEC Relocation Dispute Means for Malawi’s Electoral Future
This move by UDF members has caused significant tension within the party, as the UDF leadership had previously declared its stance of remaining independent, with no plans to form alliances or join forces with other political parties at this time. Despite this, a group of UDF members decided to align themselves with the opposition coalition, signaling a potential rift within the party ranks.
Atupele Muluzi, who has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining the UDF’s independence, had issued statements earlier clarifying that any future alliances would be subject to thorough consultations with the party’s membership. However, these members, seemingly disillusioned with the current direction of the UDF, have taken matters into their own hands by aligning with the opposition bloc.
The joint press briefing between DPP, AFORD, and UTM highlights the opposition’s determination to present a united front in addressing national issues and strategizing for the 2025 general elections. The decision by some UDF members to participate in this event raises questions about the party’s internal unity and future direction.
While it remains unclear how the UDF leadership will respond to this defiance, political analysts speculate that this could lead to internal conflicts within the party, especially as the country moves closer to the elections. The willingness of these UDF members to collaborate with the opposition also reflects the growing momentum of the opposition parties as they seek to challenge the ruling administration in next year’s polls.
The coming days will be critical for the UDF leadership as they navigate this growing divide and attempt to reconcile the party’s differing factions. Meanwhile, the opposition parties continue to push forward with their agenda, potentially gaining strength from these developments.