By Burnett Munthali, Malawi Freedom Network
In a no-holds-barred interview with Malawi Freedom Network, Comrade Edwards Kambanje, a well-known political commentator and activist, delivered a strong and critical response to President Lazarus Chakwera’s recent remarks urging Malawians to persevere and give his administration another chance. Chakwera justified his plea by claiming that the past five years were spent “fixing the bones and wounds” of the nation. Comrade Kambanje’s response encapsulates the frustrations of a nation grappling with deep economic and social challenges.
Below is the full conversation with Comrade Kambanje:
Malawi Freedom Network (MFN): President Chakwera recently asked Malawians to give him another term, saying the past five years were spent “fixing the bones and wounds” of the nation. What is your reaction to this statement?
Edwards Kambanje: I find the President’s statement deeply disingenuous. It’s an insult to the resilience and intelligence of Malawians who have endured untold suffering under his leadership. For a leader to ask people to persevere while offering no tangible results after five years is not just irresponsible—it’s a betrayal of the trust they placed in him. Malawians expected solutions, not excuses. If these five years were about fixing wounds, then I must ask: why do those wounds feel deeper now than ever before?
MFN: Do you believe the President has made any significant progress during his tenure?
Kambanje: Progress? Let’s be honest with ourselves—what progress is there to talk about? Malawians are experiencing a worsening economic crisis, chronic fuel shortages, an unending forex crisis, and an unbearable cost of living. Public services are collapsing, and corruption remains rampant despite Chakwera’s promises of a “new dawn.” If there is progress, it is invisible to the ordinary Malawian struggling to afford basic necessities.
MFN: The President seems to suggest that his administration inherited a broken system and has been working to fix it. Does this justification hold any merit?
Kambanje: While it’s true that Chakwera inherited challenges, that’s precisely why he was elected—to address them. Every administration inherits problems; that’s the nature of leadership. However, leadership is not about making excuses—it’s about delivering solutions. The argument of inheriting a broken system might have held weight in his first year. But five years later, Malawians deserve better than recycled excuses.
MFN: What do you think of Chakwera’s call for perseverance?
Kambanje: Perseverance? Malawians have persevered enough. This call for perseverance is nothing more than a deflection from the government’s failures. Malawians have borne the brunt of this administration’s incompetence—queuing for fuel, struggling to access forex, and watching as corruption scandals dominate headlines. Perseverance cannot be an endless demand from a government that has failed to deliver.
MFN: What areas do you believe the Chakwera administration has failed in the most?
Kambanje: The failures are glaring and widespread. Let me outline a few:
- Economic Mismanagement: The economy is in a downward spiral. Forex shortages and a weakening Kwacha have crippled businesses, while inflation has skyrocketed.
- Fuel Crisis: The persistent fuel shortages are a national embarrassment and a direct consequence of poor planning and management.
- Corruption: Despite promises to root out corruption, we continue to see selective justice and lack of accountability. High-profile cases have stalled, and new scandals keep emerging.
- Public Services: Healthcare, education, and infrastructure are in a sorry state. People are dying in hospitals due to lack of medicines, and schools lack basic resources.
- Cost of Living: The average Malawian cannot afford basic needs. Poverty levels are rising, and there is no clear plan to address this crisis.
MFN: Do you think Chakwera deserves another term?
Kambanje: Absolutely not. Leadership is about delivering results, not excuses. Chakwera has had five years to prove himself, and he has failed spectacularly. Malawians need leaders who can provide solutions, not speeches. It’s time for change—real change that prioritizes the welfare of the people over political rhetoric.
MFN: What message do you have for Malawians as they prepare for the next elections?
Kambanje: My message to Malawians is simple: demand accountability. Don’t be swayed by empty promises and grand speeches. Look at the track record. Ask yourself, has your life improved over the past five years? If the answer is no, then it’s time to vote for change. Malawi deserves better leadership, and it is up to the people to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
MFN: What are your thoughts on Malawi’s future?
Kambanje: Malawi has immense potential, but we need visionary leadership to unlock it. We need leaders who are honest, capable, and committed to serving the people. The future of our country depends on the choices we make today. I am hopeful that Malawians will rise to the occasion and demand the leadership they deserve.
Analysis:
Comrade Edwards Kambanje’s critique of President Chakwera’s leadership reflects the growing discontent among Malawians. His passionate call for accountability and results-driven governance resonates with a populace weary of broken promises. As the nation approaches the next elections, the stakes have never been higher.
The question remains: will Malawians heed Kambanje’s call for change, or will they give Chakwera another chance to “fix the bones”? One thing is certain—the demand for accountability and real progress is louder than ever.
