By Isaac Salima:
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president Peter Mutharika has once again lashed out at the government over its alleged governance flaws, saying that the nation is at a critical crossroads, “exemplified by failed leadership”.
Speaking during an address to the nation on Times Television Sunday evening, Mutharika, who is also the country’s former president, discussed issues such as hunger, economic challenges and the threat to democracy and freedom.
Regarding hunger, the former Malawi leader said it was heartbreaking to witness how the hunger situation currently affecting the country has severely impacted families.
He said the crisis is not only the result of environmental factors but also a direct outcome of failed policies and gross incompetence.
“The Affordable Inputs Programme, once hailed as a game-changer, has become a national disgrace.
“Corruption and inefficiency have tainted the programme and Malawians will never forget the disastrous fertiliser deal that humiliated the country’s administration,” Mutharika said.
He added that fertiliser prices have worsened the hunger crisis, proving that reckless governance has dire consequences for the people of Malawi.
On the economy, Mutharika expressed his sadness that rising prices of basic necessities as well as shortages of foreign exchange and fuel, have paralysed the country’s economy.
“Families can no longer afford essentials like maize and soap. Businesses are struggling to import goods due to foreign exchange challenges, and small businesses are shutting down.
“Young people are losing hope and families are being torn apart by poverty,” the DPP leader said.
He added that people in the country have lost hope and many see no way out of their struggles.
“Under my administration, we prioritised economic stability and made basic commodities affordable for Malawians,” Mutharika said.
He further said that his party has developed policies designed to ensure that businesses thrive, support farmers and improve people’s livelihoods.
Mutharika also spoke out against what he described as an increase in oppression, claiming that the country has become a police state where people live in fear of arrest.
“Political opponents, activists and even ordinary Malawians are being targeted, creating an environment where trust in institutions meant to protect the people has been completely eroded,” the former head of state said.
He also accused the authorities of political persecution, particularly by targeting DPP members.
“Fuel shortages will not end through oppression, hunger will not be eradicated through political witch-hunts and medicines will not return to hospitals by silencing your critics,” he said.
In previous responses to Mutharika’s accusations, government has termed them mere outbursts of a frustrated former president who does not want to accept that he is no longer ruling the country.
Mutharika, who was defeated in the court-sanctioned 2020 presidential election, is the DPP’s torchbearer in the September 16, 2025 elections.
In a recent address to the nation, President Lazarus Chakwera said the government is mobilising resources to support people affected by hunger across the country.
The President also said that his administration was lobbying for a K89 billion deficit to assist approximately 1.2 million people affected by hunger
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