By Suleman Chitera
Blantyre, Malawi – Calls are growing for President Peter Mutharika to launch a full-scale investigation into reports that over K3 trillion was allegedly mismanaged or stolen during the administration of former president Lazarus Chakwera.
According to concerned citizens, civil society leaders, and opposition voices, the missing funds represent one of the largest financial scandals in Malawi’s history, raising urgent questions about accountability, governance, and the management of public resources.
Civil Society Push for Accountability
Several advocacy groups have urged President Mutharika’s new government to prioritize recovering the missing funds, stressing that the money could have been used to address pressing issues such as:
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Improving Malawi’s health care system
Investing in agriculture and food security
Expanding infrastructure projects
Creating jobs for young people
“The people of Malawi deserve answers. K3 trillion is not a small figure. If properly accounted for, it could transform the nation,” one civil society leader told reporters.
Opposition Parties Add Pressure
Opposition parties have also joined the chorus, demanding that all those implicated in the alleged plunder of resources be investigated. They argue that failing to act would erode public trust and make the fight against corruption meaningless.
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“The rule of law must apply equally to everyone. We cannot move forward if billions of kwacha are siphoned without accountability,” an opposition spokesperson said.
Government Response
While President Mutharika has not yet issued a formal statement on the matter, senior government officials have hinted that a forensic audit of state finances during the Chakwera administration could be on the horizon.
Political analysts believe that how the Mutharika government handles this issue will shape public confidence in its ability to govern and tackle corruption.
Why This Story Matters
Malawi has grappled with several corruption scandals over the years, including the infamous Cashgate scandal. However, the alleged K3 trillion theft dwarfs previous cases, making it a critical test for the country’s new leadership
