By Suleman Chitera | Investigative Report
A grouping of concerned citizens has cautioned civil rights activist Michael Kaiyatsa against what they describe as “premature and politically motivated criticism” of President Peter Mutharika’s new administration, arguing that the social and economic problems currently facing Malawi were largely created under the previous Lazarus Chakwera-led government and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
In an interview, spokesperson for the group, Chimwemwe Banda, said while they acknowledge the frustrations Malawians are facing—such as fuel shortages, inflation, and erratic electricity supply—it would be unfair to place full blame on the new leadership, which has been in office for only a few months.
“Kaiyatsa and some activists are rushing to paint Mutharika as a failure. But these crises didn’t start today. We are still dealing with the aftermath of Chakwera’s mismanagement—debt accumulation, corruption scandals, and policy failures that crippled production and service delivery,” Banda said.
The group claims that the previous administration left behind an economy burdened by unsustainable borrowing, incomplete infrastructure projects, and declining investor confidence.
Tracing the Roots of the Crisis
A review by Malawi Freedom Network of Ministry of Finance reports between 2020 and 2024 shows a sharp rise in public debt, from K5.5 trillion in 2020 to over K12 trillion by 2024. Economists have long warned that such debt levels would strain the budget and limit the government’s ability to respond to shocks, such as the recent fuel and forex shortages.
Similarly, documents from the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) indicate that the country’s strategic fuel reserves were depleted in mid-2023 due to payment delays and procurement irregularities, issues that predate Mutharika’s return to power.
Energy analyst James Chirwa says the supply chain problems seen today are “symptoms of deeper structural weaknesses that developed during the past administration.”
“You can’t fix four years of economic damage in four months. The current government is still trying to clean up the mess,” Chirwa said.
Activists Defend Their Stance
However, Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) Chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa maintains that civil society’s role is to hold any government accountable, regardless of who created the problems.
“Malawians are suffering now, not four years ago. The new government must provide solutions, not excuses,” Kaiyatsa told Malawi Freedom Network.
He added that while the group understands the historical context of the crises, “leadership must be measured by action, not blame-shifting.”
Political Analysts Urge Balanced Judgment
Political scientist Dr. Victor Phiri has urged both government supporters and critics to strike a balance between accountability and patience.
“Yes, many challenges originated under Chakwera’s administration, but citizens also expect results from Mutharika. The key is transparency—how the new government communicates progress and manages expectations,” Phiri observed.
As the debate continues, Malawians remain anxious for tangible improvement in fuel supply, forex availability, and job creation—issues that have continued to test public confidence in leadership, regardless of party colors.
