By Suleman Chitera
Redson Munlo, a well-known political activist and member of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), has resigned from the party, marking yet another high-profile exit at a time when the governing party faces increasing internal and public scrutiny.
Munlo announced his departure during a news briefing held in Blantyre on Tuesday morning, describing the move as a strictly personal decision. He said he was stepping away from partisan politics but stressed that his withdrawal should not be mistaken for political disengagement.
“I have stopped partisan politics but remain politically conscious,” Munlo said, a statement that is likely to fuel speculation about deeper frustrations within the party’s ranks.
Munlo joined MCP publicly at a rally addressed by former president and party leader Lazarus Chakwera, a moment that was at the time portrayed as a boost to the party’s grassroots appeal. His resignation now raises questions about whether the party is struggling to retain figures it once celebrated as symbols of renewal and popular support.
Reacting to the development, MCP deputy spokesperson Ken Nsonda said he had not yet seen Munlo’s formal resignation letter. However, he was quick to downplay the political significance of the exit, stating that Munlo had merely exercised his democratic right.
Despite the official calm from party leadership, Munlo’s departure adds to a growing narrative of unease within MCP, particularly as criticism mounts over governance, accountability, and internal democracy. Political analysts note that while individual resignations may be dismissed as personal choices, the cumulative effect risks reinforcing perceptions of a party increasingly under pressure from both within and outside its structures.
As MCP continues to navigate a challenging political landscape, Munlo’s exit is likely to resonate beyond his personal political journey, serving as another signal that all may not be well inside Malawi’s ruling party.
