By Suleman Chitera
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The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiative (CDEDI) has sparked fresh debate after declaring that former President Lazarus Chakwera does not deserve to receive any privileges or recognition accorded to retired leaders, arguing that his administration left Malawi in a worse state.
In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa said Malawi must urgently review its policies on who qualifies to be honoured as a retired head of state. He argued that the country should stop glorifying leaders whose governance records are marked by economic collapse, mismanagement, and allegations of fraud.
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Namiwa appealed to international bodies—including SADC, the Commonwealth, foreign embassies and development partners—to refrain from engaging Chakwera in any official capacity until he has been thoroughly investigated and cleared of corruption allegations linked to his tenure.
According to Namiwa, Chakwera’s administration left Malawi “far worse than it was found,” and therefore, he should not continue to enjoy privileges such as government-funded security, transport, and other benefits that come with the status of retired president.
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“Anyone who leaves office with the country in a deteriorated state, someone who failed to perform their duties effectively, does not deserve to be honoured as a retired president,” said Namiwa. “Such a leader should not receive state-funded benefits.”
CDEDI further says recent revelations by the Minister of Finance, who disclosed that State House spent an astounding K67 billion in just six months—an allocation meant for an entire fiscal year—provide additional evidence of waste and potential fraud under Chakwera’s leadership.
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The organisation has since called on the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and other investigative agencies to expedite inquiries into several suspected corruption cases submitted by CDEDI.
As pressure mounts, political analysts say the call by CDEDI is likely to trigger broader discussions on accountability for former presidents, the criteria for awarding retirement benefits, and the need to strengthen oversight on public spending in Malawi.
