Malawi’s opposition has challenged the government to clarify who is running the country while President Peter Mutharika remains in South Africa, as fuel queues, blackouts, medicine shortages and foreign-currency strain intensify public frustration.
The 86-year-old leader left Malawi on 6 October for what officials call a private visit; his fifth trip this year, with few details disclosed. The Malawi Congress Party says the country is at a critical juncture and needs decisive action.
MCP campaign director Moses Kunkuyu told reporters in Lilongwe that the party is not disputing the president’s right to travel privately, but wants Vice-President Jane Ansah to reassure Malawians and explain how the government will tackle fuel shortages, power cuts, shortages of essential medicines and limited access to foreign currency.
Information Minister Shadric Namalomba rejected claims of a leadership vacuum, insisting a president is always in charge “at any time, anywhere.” He said the trip’s purpose remains private and accused the opposition of exploiting problems inherited from its own tenure.
Mutharika, who returned to power last October after defeating Lazarus Chakwera and previously governed from 2014 to 2020, delegated the trade minister to lead Malawi’s delegation to the Comesa summit in Zimbabwe.
Officials have also dismissed social media reports that he traveled to India for medical treatment, saying he remains in South Africa and urging the public not to spread unverified claims.
