from MAVHUTO BANDA in Lilongwe, Malawi
Malawi Bureau
LILONGWE, (CAJ News) – ARTHUR Mutharika, voted back into power and his reign officially underway in Malawi, is to prioritise the fight against corruption and nepotism within government.
The opposition however doubts this.
Eradicating corruption, uniting the polarised country and initiating relationships with the international community will be his priorities, as they dominated his re-inauguration speech at the packed Kamuzu Stadium in the capital city of Lilongwe.
At his swearing-in this past weekend, Mutharika, leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), declared, “the honeymoon of plundering government resources is over.”
“If anyone acts to the contrary, I will go after him or her. Never say I never warned you.”
This signals a firm commitment to restore integrity, accountability and efficiency in the nation’s public service.
Mutharika dissuaded nepotism, which seemed rife under his predecessor, Lazarus Chakwera.
“Malawi belongs to all of us, regardless of political, cultural, or religious background,” he said.
At the event that was attended by regional leaders and members of the diplomatic corps, Mutharika pledged the DPP-led government’s transformative agenda aimed at national recovery and progress.
On Sunday, he announced an initial 11-member cabinet, including Enock Chihana as Second Vice President (Jane Ansah is the Vice President).
George Chaponda is Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Joseph Mwanamvekha is Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development.
“With Malawi facing high inflation, forex shortages, and waning investor confidence, his reform-minded approach and credibility with both local and international partners offer a foundation for renewed stability,” DPP said of Mwanamvekha.
The main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP), ousted from power at last month’s elections, scoffed at the cabinet appointments.
“Individuals with well-documented corruption allegations, such as George Chaponda and Joseph Mwanamvekha, have found themselves comfortably back in the corridors of power,” it stated.
MCP also denounced the appointment of Minister of State, Alfred Gangata, labeling him “a man clouded by certificate controversies.”
“If this is the face of APM’s so-called meritocracy, then it is not only disappointing but shameful,” the opposition party stated.
MCP said it would “come back stronger” in 2030.
– CAJ News