By Vincent Gunde
Malawians are struggling to survive, battling hunger daily, and losing hope in a government that seems indifferent to their suffering. Basic necessities have become luxuries, and many feel abandoned, believing they no longer have a leader who truly cares about their welfare.
Hunger has infiltrated homes regardless of political affiliations. Survival has become an everyday challenge, with a 50-kilogram bag of maize now selling at K110,000, while the minimum wage remains at K45,000. Essential goods are increasingly out of reach—sugar costs K4,000, and a loaf of bread sells for K3,500.
The economic crisis has intensified, with the Malawi Kwacha rapidly losing value. The cost of imports has soared, suffocating businesses, and many enterprises have collapsed due to foreign exchange shortages. Malawians are standing at a crossroads, facing an uncertain future. While they are strong and hardworking, they feel betrayed by the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) government under President Lazarus Chakwera, especially as the price of fertilizer skyrockets to K145,000 per 50-kilogram bag.
Farmers cannot afford agricultural inputs, graduates cannot find jobs, and companies are shutting down. Every sector of the economy is in distress, and the country itself is in an economic Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Yet, instead of solutions, Malawians are fed with excuses—blaming the Covid-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and the Russia-Ukraine war—while leaders continue making empty promises as citizens sink deeper into poverty.
The economy is bleeding, and the hardest hit are everyday Malawians—the hardworking individuals who wake up each morning with hope, striving to feed their families, educate their children, and build a better future.
Political analyst Burnett Munthali has described these as difficult times, urging Malawians not to lose hope but to take action. He stressed that hope alone is not enough—citizens must demand accountability from their leaders and support one another in these trying times.
Munthali argues that the government is failing to make tough decisions to protect its people. Instead, Malawians witness wasteful spending, a lack of vision, and rampant corruption, where those in power enrich themselves while the rest of the nation suffers.
“Malawians do not need speeches; they need solutions,” Munthali said, emphasizing that rising commodity prices are pushing people to the brink of despair. He warned that promises alone will not put food on their tables.
“The crisis Malawians face today is not just a passing storm—it is a deep wound that continues to fester, created by the current government, not previous ones,” he added.
As the 2025 elections approach, Munthali believes Malawians must decide their future. On September 16, 2025, they will have a choice: to remain under the leadership of those who have failed them or embrace a new direction—one that demands accountability, fresh ideas, and a vision for a better Malawi.
