By Burnett Munthali
In a move that has stirred attention ahead of the highly anticipated UTM Convention, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Vice President Michael Usi will not be attending the event. Instead, President Lazarus Chakwera has delegated the task of representing him at the convention to Dr. Michael, following his official duties at the 29th United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to November 22, 2024.
The decision comes as the President focuses on global climate discussions, a key area of concern for Malawi, particularly with the nation’s ongoing environmental challenges. The United Nations Climate Change Conference is a critical platform for countries to discuss and collaborate on strategies to combat climate change, and President Chakwera’s presence at this international event underscores Malawi’s commitment to the global fight against environmental degradation.
Dr. Michael, who is no stranger to representing the President at high-profile occasions, will step in at the UTM Convention in the Vice President’s stead. This move has been made to ensure that Malawi’s leadership is fully engaged in both local and international affairs, balancing diplomatic responsibilities with domestic political engagements.
The UTM Convention, a key political event in Malawi, will proceed without the presence of the Vice President, but Dr. Michael’s delegation is expected to keep the government’s political interests aligned during the event. His presence will provide continuity in leadership and representation, as the nation’s political leaders gather to discuss key national issues.
With the UTM Convention set to be a significant gathering, all eyes are on the political landscape as the country prepares for the 2025 general elections. While the Vice President will miss the convention, his absence is seen as a temporary shift in duties, with the President ensuring that Malawi is well-represented on the global stage.
As both local and international political dynamics continue to evolve, this development highlights the balancing act that comes with holding high office—being present for key domestic engagements while also representing the country on the world stage.
