By Suleman Chitera
Malawi’s Vice President and leader of the Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu (OZAM) Party, Michael Usi, has called for the immediate suspension of individuals allegedly creating artificial fuel shortages in the country.
Speaking at a whistle-stop rally in Zomba City, where he was canvassing support ahead of the upcoming presidential election, Usi criticized President Lazarus Chakwera’s approach to the crisis. Chakwera had earlier suggested that decisive action against officials at the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) would only come after the election if he secures victory.
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Usi dismissed this stance as weak leadership, arguing that the issue requires urgent intervention.
“This is like finding a thief in your house and then saying, ‘I will arrest you tomorrow,’” Usi told the crowd.
The Vice President stressed that those suspected of mismanaging or deliberately restricting fuel imports should be suspended immediately, pending thorough investigations, with dismissals to follow if wrongdoing is proven.
Fuel scarcity has been a recurring challenge in Malawi, affecting businesses, transport, and households. Usi positioned himself as a decisive leader ready to tackle the problem head-on, using the rally to draw a contrast between his leadership style and that of the incumbent President.
As election day approaches, fuel shortages remain a hot-button issue, with many Malawians eager for practical solutions. Usi’s call for immediate accountability could resonate with voters frustrated by the long-standing crisis.
