Suleman Chitera 
By Suleman Chitera, MFN Reporter
Calls are reportedly emerging from citizens for the government to consider erecting statues in honour of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, with proponents arguing that the proposed monuments would recognise what they describe as his historic political achievements and contribution to Malawi’s development.
The proponents want the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture to consider the proposal, saying monuments dedicated to the President would preserve his legacy and provide future generations with a lasting reminder of his leadership.
According to the citizens supporting the idea, Mutharika’s political journey, electoral victories and approach to governance make him deserving of special recognition in Malawi’s history.
However, the scale of public support for the proposal has not been independently established, and no official government announcement confirming plans to erect the statues has been provided.
Three Presidential Election Victories
Supporters have pointed to Mutharika’s electoral record as one of the reasons they believe he deserves recognition.
They highlight his victories in the 2014, 2019 and 2025 presidential elections, describing his return to power as evidence of his enduring political influence.
Mutharika first became President following the 2014 elections. He subsequently won the disputed 2019 presidential election, which was later nullified by the courts, before contesting and winning the 2020 court-ordered election was impossible because that election was won by Lazarus Chakwera. Mutharika returned to the presidency after the 2025 elections, according to the account presented by his supporters.
The claim that he is the only Malawian president to have won three presidential elections requires careful qualification, particularly because the 2019 result was annulled and the 2020 election was won by Chakwera. The proposal’s supporters nevertheless argue that Mutharika’s political resilience deserves recognition.
Praise for His Approach to Government Appointments
The citizens also praise what they describe as Mutharika’s approach to government appointments, claiming that he has avoided placing family members in public positions.
They argue that leadership should be judged not only by political victories but also by the way public offices are managed and whether appointments serve the national interest.
However, the assertion that no family members have been appointed to government positions has not been independently verified.
Questions surrounding nepotism, transparency and merit-based appointments remain important considerations in assessing any administration’s record.
Claims of Improvements in Fuel, Foreign Exchange and Food Supply
Supporters have further credited the President with efforts to address Malawi’s longstanding economic challenges, particularly shortages of fuel, foreign exchange and food.
They argue that improvements in the availability of essential commodities would represent an important achievement for a country whose economy has faced persistent pressure from foreign exchange shortages, rising living costs and supply disruptions.
Fuel availability, access to foreign currency and food security are critical issues for Malawian households and businesses. Any assessment of progress in these areas, however, would need to consider independently verified economic data, supply figures and food security assessments.
The supporters maintain that the administration’s performance deserves recognition if the improvements they describe can be sustained.
Citizens Want Recognition While He Is Alive
One citizen supporting the proposal argued that statues should be erected across the country’s districts to preserve the President’s legacy.
“President Mutharika deserves a statue in all districts of Malawi to keep history for future generations and to appreciate these good things while the President is still alive,” the citizen said.
Those backing the proposal believe that public monuments could serve as historical landmarks, helping future generations learn about the country’s political leadership and the individuals who have shaped its development.
They argue that honouring leaders during their lifetime would allow citizens to express their appreciation directly rather than waiting until after their deaths.
A Proposal That Could Spark Public Debate
The proposed statues could also trigger a broader national discussion about how Malawi recognises its political leaders and determines which achievements merit permanent public monuments.
Supporters see the proposal as an expression of gratitude, while a decision by the government would require consideration of public interest, historical evidence, cultural significance and the cost of constructing and maintaining monuments.
Any nationwide project would also raise questions about funding priorities, particularly as the country continues to face economic challenges and competing demands for public resources.
The Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture would be central to discussions about the historical and cultural significance of such monuments if the proposal were formally submitted.
For now, the reported calls reflect the views of citizens supporting the initiative rather than a confirmed government policy.
Whether the proposal gains wider public backing remains to be seen. What is clear is that the debate raises an important question about how Malawi should preserve its political history and recognise leaders whose supporters believe they have made a lasting contribution to the nation.
Malawi Freedom Network (MFN) will continue to follow developments surrounding the proposal.
