National Address By Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika

National Address By Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika Former President of the Republic of Malawi, President of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and Presidential Candidate for the 2025 Elections

By Burnett Munthali

Fellow Malawians,

I address you today not only as a former President or leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) but as a fellow Malawian who feels your pain, understands your struggles, and shares your aspirations for a better future. This is not merely a speech; it is a call to action—a plea for unity, courage, and determination to rescue our nation from its current crisis.

Malawi stands at a critical juncture, facing severe challenges that demand decisive leadership and immediate action. Many of you are burdened by hunger, economic hardships, and a loss of hope in leadership. The current administration has failed you, leaving our country on a path of despair. But together, we can change this trajectory.

Today, I want to address three pressing issues affecting our nation: the hunger crisis, economic collapse, and the erosion of democracy. These challenges require urgent attention and bold solutions.

The hunger crisis

Hunger is devastating our communities, especially in rural areas where families are forced to rely on wild foods like zikhawo and chitedze just to survive. Between October 2024 and March 2025, over 5.7 million Malawians—nearly 28% of the population—will face acute food insecurity. This is the worst hunger crisis Malawi has experienced in a decade. Behind these statistics are families struggling daily, and the current government has no meaningful solutions.

The promise of “three meals a day” was an empty slogan. The Affordable Input Program (AIP), once viewed as a lifeline, has become a symbol of corruption and failure. The infamous “butchery fertilizer deal” and the shocking price of fertilizer at MK119,000 per bag have made farming inaccessible for many.

Under my administration, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) successfully implemented the Farm Input Subsidy Program (FISP), which eradicated hunger and ensured that Malawians had access to affordable inputs. We prioritized farmers and food security. With competent leadership, we can achieve this again.

Economic collapse

The state of our economy is dire. Prices of essential goods have skyrocketed, foreign exchange shortages are crippling businesses, and fuel scarcity has brought the nation to a standstill. Families can no longer afford basic commodities like maize, salt, and cooking oil. Businesses are closing, and unemployment has reached unprecedented levels.

The youth, in particular, have been left hopeless. I hear heartbreaking stories, like the young graduate in Blantyre now selling goods on the streets to survive. This is not the Malawi we envisioned.

Under my administration, we stabilized the economy, reduced inflation, and made basic goods affordable. We created jobs for the youth and supported businesses to grow. It is time to bring back economic stability, restore opportunities, and ensure that every Malawian can live with dignity.

Threats to democracy and freedoms

Malawi’s democracy is under siege. The current administration has turned our nation into a police state where citizens live in fear of arbitrary arrests, journalists are targeted for exposing corruption, and peaceful demonstrations are met with brutality.

Three days ago, during a peaceful gathering, members of the DPP were attacked with tear gas, and Honorable Brenda Banda was shot. She now lies in a hospital bed—a victim of government oppression. Such actions are not governance; they are tyranny.

Additionally, the voter registration process overseen by the National Registration Bureau (NRB) and Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has been riddled with logistical failures, depriving many Malawians of their constitutional right to vote. The DPP will ensure that the integrity of the electoral process is upheld and that every Malawian can vote freely without fear.

A call to action

Fellow Malawians, our democracy, economy, and food security are under threat. But we hold the power to change this. On Tuesday, 16 September 2025, we will have the opportunity to restore hope and dignity to our nation through the ballot box.

To the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP), this is a warning: your incompetence and corruption have pushed Malawians to the brink, and they will not remain silent.

To my fellow Malawians, I urge you to rise together and demand accountability. The Democratic Progressive Party is ready to lead Malawi out of this crisis. Together, we will rebuild our nation, restore food security, stabilize the economy, and safeguard our democracy.

Let us stand united, cast our votes, and reclaim the Malawi we all deserve.

May God bless you all, and may God bless the Republic of Malawi.

Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika

President of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)