By Burnett Munthali
This past week on Malawi Freedom Network, a string of high-profile political developments, campaign declarations, and public sentiments dominated the national conversation, offering a glimpse into the country’s shifting political landscape.
AFORD’s Catherine Mwafulirwa captured headlines after formally launching her campaign in Karonga Town with a firm promise to revive the region’s tourism industry and usher in modern agricultural practices.
Mwafulirwa emphasized that Karonga’s natural beauty and strategic lakeshore position make it ideal for tourism-led development, pledging to work with local and international investors to uplift livelihoods and expand employment opportunities.
She also committed to introducing mechanized farming techniques and sustainable irrigation systems to help farmers in the drought-prone district achieve food security and increase market competitiveness.
Her speech struck a chord with local residents who have long lamented Karonga’s underutilized potential and lack of visible development under past leaders.
Meanwhile, former Reserve Bank Governor and now presidential hopeful Dr. Dalitso Kabambe made waves during his rally in Zomba by pledging to “restore Malawi’s lost glory.”
Kabambe’s address included a direct critique of the Tonse Alliance government, accusing it of failing in service delivery, fostering corruption, and abandoning core developmental goals promised during the 2020 campaign.
He presented a bold economic blueprint which includes the rollout of a K100 billion annual development fund targeting key sectors such as infrastructure, industrialization, public health, and education.
According to Kabambe, the fund will be sourced through a combination of donor support, public-private partnerships, and disciplined fiscal management—aimed at reversing the country’s economic stagnation.
The Zomba rally drew thousands, signaling strong grassroots enthusiasm for Kabambe’s candidacy, especially among young people and civil servants frustrated by inflation, job scarcity, and poor working conditions.
In another political twist, MCP loyalist Rodgers Kamphangala questioned whether opposition parties would be given equal recognition at the upcoming Independence Day celebrations.
He argued that, under the current administration, public events have increasingly been politicized, with the ruling party often sidelining opposition voices, despite the constitutional requirement for inclusivity during national events.
This comment stirred debate across social media platforms, with critics accusing the MCP of using state functions for partisan gain while ignoring calls for national unity.
Simultaneously, political activist Bon Kalindo expressed gratitude following the cancellation of planned protests organized by Alfred Gangata, a known Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporter.
Kalindo thanked God for the decision, stating that the demonstrations would have only worsened national tensions, potentially leading to violence or property damage.
His remarks were widely shared online and viewed as a call for peaceful political engagement in the lead-up to the 2025 elections.
As the week concluded, the buzz around political alliances, especially regarding Kabambe’s potential as a unifying presidential figure, continued to gain momentum.
Supporters across the political divide—including from AFORD, UTM, and parts of the UDF—have been increasingly vocal about the need for a grand alliance to unseat the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), citing fears of continued economic hardship and democratic backsliding under Chakwera’s leadership.
From campaign pledges to public reflection on national direction, the past week has reaffirmed one thing: Malawians are restless, engaged, and hungry for change—and the political class would do well to listen.
The conversations sparked across platforms like Malawi Freedom Network are more than just stories—they are reflections of the hopes, frustrations, and visions of a people eager to reclaim their country’s promise.
