By Burnett Munthali
In a hard-hitting statement, Comrade Edward Kambanje of the Concerned Citizens group has expressed deep frustration with the ongoing fuel crisis in Malawi, alongside other pressing challenges plaguing the nation. For the past three to four months, Malawians have endured severe fuel shortages, which have crippled the economy, disrupted education, and increased the burden on ordinary citizens.
Kambanje criticized the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) government for its failure to provide lasting solutions to the crisis. He noted that while the government has announced a government-to-government (G2G) fuel procurement arrangement to bring 51 million liters of fuel into the country, this measure is inadequate and temporary.
The current crisis has left citizens struggling more than ever before. Children are unable to return to school, employees on holiday cannot resume work, and transportation costs have doubled. Fuel is no longer available at filling stations, forcing citizens to rely on vendors who sell at exorbitant prices.
“Malawi consumes an average of 50 million liters of fuel per month. Even with the G2G arrangement, the supply will barely cover the monthly demand,” Kambanje emphasized. “What happens when this agreement ends? What permanent solutions does the government have?”
He further highlighted the sidelining of private sector players like MERA, NOCMA, and PIL, which have historically played critical roles in fuel procurement and regulation. “Instead of leveraging private sector expertise, the government is centralizing the process, which is bound to fail,” he added.
Kambanje didn’t mince words in criticizing Parliament for passing bills that, in his view, prioritize government control over private sector involvement. He blamed “selfish members of Parliament” who he claimed prioritize personal gain over national interests.
“Malawians must not re-elect these MPs,” Kambanje warned. “A sober Parliament would never sideline the private sector, which is not failing—it is the government that is failing because of the lack of forex and poor management.”
He also questioned the role of the opposition in addressing the crisis, accusing them of failing to support citizens’ protests or provide viable alternatives. “Does this opposition want to use citizens again for its own benefit? Their silence is disappointing,” he said.
Kambanje called on Malawians to rise and demand accountability from the government. “Citizens must protest now. Waiting for elections to show dissatisfaction is nonsense,” he declared. “People are sleeping at filling stations, unable to send their children to school. It’s time to force this government to work.”
He praised activists like Bon Kalindo, Moses Shumba, Steven Chimwaza, and others for their efforts in fighting for citizens’ rights. Kambanje also hinted at forming a movement to push for change, though he refrained from sharing further details for security reasons.
Kambanje’s critique extended beyond the fuel crisis, pointing to failures in managing the Affordable Inputs Program (AIP), education, and the broader economy. He accused the government of rampant corruption and poor governance, exemplified by the appointment of unqualified individuals to cabinet positions.
“Why is Malawi silent while the government fails to deliver on every front?” he asked. “We are importing bad examples from countries like Kenya, which has a stronger economy but still struggles with corruption. Malawi’s case is worse—we have no forex, no leadership, and no solutions.”
Comrade Edward Kambanje’s call to action is a rallying cry for Malawians to unite and demand better governance. As the fuel crisis continues to strain the nation, his words resonate with citizens who are tired of empty promises and temporary fixes.
“The time to act is now,” Kambanje stressed. “Malawians must rise, demand accountability, and work together to kick this government out of power. Our future depends on it.”
