Government Moves to Import from Zambia
By Suleman Chitera
As hunger continues to threaten millions of Malawians, concerns are growing that some opposition politicians — particularly those aligned with the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) — are allegedly hoarding maize to create artificial shortages and sell it later at exorbitant prices.
For decades, Malawi’s Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) has played a crucial role in ensuring national food security. Each year, since the days of the late Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, ADMARC buys maize and other farm produce from both large and small-scale farmers. The maize, which remains the country’s staple food, is stored and later sold to citizens at affordable prices to stabilize the market and protect the poor.
However, reports indicate that some politically connected vendors are now refusing to sell their maize to ADMARC. Instead, they are allegedly keeping it in secret storage facilities with the intention to sell it later “modula” — at inflated prices when hunger worsens.
Government Condemns Political Sabotage
Government officials have condemned the practice, saying it is a deliberate attempt by opposition elements to frustrate ongoing food stabilization efforts.
“The funds ADMARC uses to buy maize come from taxpayers’ money,” a government source said. “It’s not a new practice; this system has kept Malawi food secure for years. But now, political greed has taken over.”
The official further accused some opposition figures of creating hunger deliberately to “punish” citizens for political gain. “These are the same people who once abused fertilizer loan schemes and mismanaged NEEF funds. Now they want to profit again through the suffering of ordinary Malawians,” the source added.
Mutharika Orders Maize Imports from Zambia
In response to the crisis, President Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM) has directed the government to import maize from Zambia to cushion the effects of the shortage.
This decision has sparked outrage among some local traders who claim it undermines local farmers — yet, analysts argue, the import move is necessary to save lives.
Political observers have described the situation as a “self-inflicted crisis” caused by greed and political sabotage. “You can’t keep maize while people are starving and then blame government for importing to feed the nation,” one commentator noted.
A Call for Unity and Responsibility
Malawians are being urged to put aside political differences and work together to ensure food security. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to stabilizing maize prices and ensuring ADMARC depots remain stocked throughout the lean season.
As one local proverb goes: “When the trickster dies in his own trap, we simply say — we warned you.”
