By Suleman Chitera, Zomba, Malawi
A wave of student sentiment has emerged from Chancellor College (CHANCO), with a young student sparking national conversation after publicly advocating for the return of former President Arthur Peter Mutharika, citing the country’s worsening economic conditions under the current administration.
In a strongly worded statement shared on social media and gaining traction among youth, the student reflected on Mutharika’s 2014–2019 administration, arguing that despite his age, Mutharika provided stability, economic consistency, and better living conditions compared to the present government.
“Peter Mutharika may be old, but during his presidency, the country was in a good state,” the student wrote. “Prices were stable, fuel was available, the currency was strong, and essential goods like sugar and fertilizer were affordable and accessible.”
The statement highlighted six specific economic indicators the student claims were significantly better under Mutharika’s leadership:
- Price stability — with cement prices remaining unchanged throughout the year.
- Steady fuel availability.
- A strong and stable currency with no devaluation.
- Sugar priced at K380 and widely available.
- Accessible forex reserves that supported vehicle import businesses.
- Fertilizer priced at K17,000.
The youth questioned what tangible benefits Malawians have gained from the perceived energy and youthfulness of President Lazarus Chakwera and his late Vice President Saulos Chilima. “If youthfulness equals good leadership, then why is the economy collapsing under Chakwera?” the student asked.
He further argued that leadership is not about physical fitness but mental capacity and experience. “The presidency is not a gym. APM still has the strength to lead and deliver,” he declared.
The message ends with a rallying call from CHANCO students: “We, the youth from CHANCO, want that same elder back. Let’s return to Arthur Peter Mutharika.”
As Malawi faces a turbulent economic climate marked by inflation, fuel shortages, and currency depreciation, this message taps into a growing sentiment among some youth and citizens who feel disillusioned with the current government. While others remain supportive of the Tonse Alliance’s leadership, voices like this suggest that the 2025 elections may be shaped by a strong wave of economic nostalgia and demands for performance over promises.
