Breaking News: UDF Withdraws from Joint Press Briefing with DPP, AFORD, and UTM

By Burnett Munthali

In a sudden development, the United Democratic Front (UDF) has pulled out of a scheduled joint press briefing that was set to take place today in Lilongwe. The briefing, which was to include other major political parties such as the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), and United Transformation Movement (UTM), aimed to address key political issues ahead of the upcoming elections.

• Malawi, Japan Sign K4.4 Billion Road Equipment Grant
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Malawi has signed a K4.4 billion grant agreement with the Government of Japan to support road infrastructure development, with Lilongwe City Council set to benefit from road rehabilitation equipment. Speaking during the signing ceremony, Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha said the grant demonstrates the strong bilateral relations between…
• Kalindo Takes Government to Task Over Fuel, Power and Water Crisis
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera, MFN Reporter Malawi First, People First leader Bon Kalindo has challenged the government and political leaders to explain what concrete measures they are taking to end the country’s worsening fuel shortages, electricity blackouts and water supply disruptions. Speaking at a press conference in Lilongwe, Kalindo expressed disappointment…
• Dowa CSO urges council to improve DEC, TWG governance
  Share Listen to this article By Vincent Gunde The Dowa Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Network, says it is ready to support the council to improve governance especially in the District Executive Committee (DEC) and Technical Working Group (TWG). The Network said Dec meetings are important elements of the council management noting with a great concern…
• Chithyola Banda Challenges Mutharika Over Parliament Suspension
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera, MFN Reporter Leader of Opposition Simplex Chithyola Banda has challenged President Peter Mutharika to reconsider his decision to suspend the November parliamentary meeting, warning that the move delays efforts to find solutions to Malawi’s mounting challenges. Banda said Parliament should have been allowed to meet to scrutinise…
• RBM Holds Malawi Policy Rate at 24%, Raises Lombard Rate to 26%
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera, MFN Reporter The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has maintained its Policy Rate at 24 percent but increased the Lombard Rate to 26 percent from 24.2 percent, signalling continued efforts to control inflation despite persistent economic challenges. The decisions were reached during the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)’s…
• NBS Bank urges councils to turn revenue into development
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera NBS Bank plc has urged local councils to strengthen revenue collection and financial accountability, offering to explore digital and banking solutions to help them improve service delivery and unlock economic opportunities. NBS Bank Chief Wholesale Banking Officer, Alfred Nhlema, said effective financial systems could help councils translate…
• MAIIC urges Mega Farmers to deliver maize by November 22
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera The Malawi Agricultural and Industrial Investment Corporation (MAIIC) has called on Mega Farms beneficiaries with outstanding loans to deliver maize stocks to designated depots by November 22 this year. This is part of MAIIC’s efforts to recover funds extended under the agricultural financing programme.Also interestingNational»Malawi, Japan Sign…
• Malawi Targets 2,000 Schools for Internet Connectivity
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera, MFN ReporterOctober 29, 2026 Malawi plans to connect 2,000 primary and secondary schools to the internet under the World Bank-supported Digital Malawi Acceleration Project (DMAP), Minister of Education, Science and Technology Bright Msaka has announced. Speaking at the opening of the 19th UbuntuNet-Connect Conference in Lilongwe, Msaka…
• FDH Bank takes lead in plan to deliver 10,000 homes under project 250
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera, MFN Reporter29 October 2026 FDH Bank has strengthened its role in Malawi’s development agenda after partnering with the Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC) and FDH Properties Limited in an ambitious plan to deliver 10,000 housing units within one year under Project 250. The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum…

The reasons behind UDF’s last-minute withdrawal remain unclear, and party officials have not yet issued a formal statement explaining their decision. The press briefing was expected to showcase a united front among opposition parties, sparking speculation about possible discord or strategic changes within the UDF.

Political analysts are closely watching this development, as it may signal shifting alliances or internal conflicts within the opposition ahead of Malawi’s 2025 general elections.

More details are expected to emerge as the remaining parties proceed with the press briefing, which was initially planned to address electoral strategies, governance concerns, and economic policies. All eyes are now on UDF leadership to clarify their stance and future political moves.