By Burnett Munthali
Hon. Allan Ngumuya has issued a scathing critique of President Lazarus Chakwera’s leadership, making a bold assertion that Malawi is in dire need of change.
He argues that President Chakwera has not only failed Malawians but has also knowingly misled them through exaggerated national reports and strategic political maneuvering.
According to Ngumuya, this administration operates under the assumption that Malawians have short memories and can be easily deceived—an assertion that echoes former President Bakili Muluzi’s infamous claim that “Malawians forget quickly.”
Ngumuya points out that Malawians are now stuck in a vicious cycle, forced to choose between two major political parties, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), both of which he labels as failures.
The DPP, he argues, was notorious for corruption and oppressive governance, while the MCP has worsened the country’s economic situation beyond measure.
He reminds Malawians of past atrocities committed by the DPP, including political violence that resulted in tragic loss of life.
Yet, the MCP has offered no better alternative, plunging the nation into deeper economic despair.
Ngumuya underscores that under President Chakwera’s leadership, the economic crisis has reached unbearable levels.
The cost of living has skyrocketed, with essential commodities like maize now unaffordable for the average Malawian.
He expresses dismay at the government’s misplaced priorities, arguing that instead of addressing real economic issues, the administration is diverting attention to infrastructural developments while people struggle to survive.
He poses a direct challenge to the president: how can you speak of progress when basic necessities are out of reach for citizens?
He lists critical areas that need urgent intervention, including:
1) Reducing the price of maize.
2) Addressing the forex crisis to control inflation.
3) Ending persistent electricity blackouts.
4) Ensuring the steady supply of fuel.
5) Controlling the uncontrolled rise in commodity prices.
6) Making education and basic living affordable.
7) Abandoning the ineffective Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP).
8) Increasing salaries by 400% to match inflation.
9) Implementing real, large-scale Mega Farms.
10) Actively involving the youth in governance and decision-making.
Amidst this crisis, Ngumuya argues that Malawi needs a fresh, competent leader—someone with economic expertise, vision, and the ability to steer the country towards sustainable development.
He strongly endorses Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, a seasoned economist with a track record of success in financial and economic planning.
Ngumuya details Kabambe’s extensive experience, highlighting his roles as Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Budget Director in the Ministry of Finance, and Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi.
He credits Kabambe with stabilizing the economy during previous administrations, managing to bring down inflation from 24% to 7% while ensuring forex availability and stable commodity prices.
According to Ngumuya, Malawi is not suffering because of the Chewa or Lomwe ethnic groups but due to poor leadership.
He believes that Kabambe, with his economic background and professional integrity, can offer a path out of the current crisis.
He also expresses hope that Malawi will one day have a competent leader from the Northern Region, emphasizing the need for merit-based leadership over ethnic considerations.
Ngumuya urges Malawians not to fall into the trap of voting for either the MCP or DPP.
He warns that MCP’s mismanagement will only worsen if given another term, while the DPP remains a party of oppression and corruption.
He cautions against political manipulation, where leaders suddenly seek the youth’s support only when elections approach.
Ngumuya passionately calls on Malawians to make a bold choice—one that transcends party politics.
He envisions a new Malawi led by Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, a leader he believes can bring real solutions to the country’s economic and governance challenges.
He urges Malawians to resist deception, remember their struggles, and vote for real change in the upcoming elections.
“My tears will only dry when Malawians choose a leader beyond politics, a leader with a vision. Dr. Dalitso Kabambe is that leader.”
