The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Peter Mutharika promised a “return to proven leadership” when they won the government on September 16th. Instead of stability, Malawians are now facing a relentless barrage of crises that are making daily life increasingly unbearable. The nation is now gripped by prolonged electric blackouts, severe fuel scarcity, and a growing lack of access to clean water. With each passing day, Malawians are starting to question whether the government has any solution at all to this downward spiral.
The ruling DPP must tell Malawians the blunt truth: the current dire economic situation, including the critical lack of forex and fuel, will not end soon. The DPP does not possess a magic wand to turn around these deep-seated economic woes instantly. The problems are structural and require more than just political rhetoric.
I am aware that the DPP is banking on the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) as a lifeline to boost the economy and replenish forex reserves. However, this financial rescue is far from guaranteed and is certainly not imminent. The IMF team that was in the country recently was merely on a fact-finding mission to understand the extent of Malawi’s economic troubles. Formal discussions for a new program have not even begun.
The path to securing an ECF is long and fraught with difficult conditions. For Malawi to qualify, the government will have to accept politically suicidal terms, most notably the devaluation of the Kwacha. There is a long, winding, and rough road before things get any better, if they do at all. Negotiations between the government and the IMF in Lilongwe and Washington could easily take a year or two. For the ordinary Malawian suffering today, there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Anthuwa kumawauza chilungamo—the people must be told the truth.
Malawians join the world in paying tribute to soldiers who gave their lives during the World Wars and in peacekeeping missions.
By Burnett Munthali
Vice President Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah, SC, JA (Rtd), on Sunday led Malawians in commemorating Remembrance Day at the War Memorial Tower in Lilongwe.
The nation joined the rest of the world in honouring soldiers who lost their lives during World Wars I and II, as well as those who perished while serving in various peacekeeping missions.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including the Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General George Alexander Jafu.
Ansah laying a wreath
Also present was the Inspector General of Police, Richard Luhanga, who stood alongside other dignitaries in solemn recognition of the nation’s fallen heroes.
Speaker of Parliament, Sameer Suleman, attended the ceremony, representing the legislative arm of government in paying tribute.
Chief Justice Rizine Robert Mzikamanda was among the dignitaries, symbolizing the unity of all branches of government in remembrance.
Representing President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, the Vice President led the laying of wreaths at the monument.
This act served as a gesture of honour and gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace, freedom, and national security.
During the ceremony, attendees observed a moment of silence to reflect on the bravery and dedication of soldiers past and present.
The event also underscored Malawi’s commitment to remembering the lessons of history and the importance of peacekeeping in today’s world.
Vice President Ansah highlighted the need for national unity and collective responsibility in preserving peace and stability.
She urged citizens to recognise the sacrifices of the military and law enforcement in defending the country and contributing to international peace.
The commemoration also served as an educational moment, reminding younger generations of the courage and resilience of those who fought in global conflicts.
Malawians observed the ceremony with solemnity, laying floral tributes and paying respects to the fallen heroes.
The event concluded with prayers and reflections on the enduring legacy of those who served, inspiring a renewed sense of national pride and remembrance.
Through such ceremonies, Malawi reaffirms its commitment to honouring the memory of its soldiers and ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
Malawians join the world in paying tribute to soldiers who gave their lives during the World Wars and in peacekeeping missions.
By Burnett Munthali
Vice President Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah, SC, JA (Rtd), on Sunday led Malawians in commemorating Remembrance Day at the War Memorial Tower in Lilongwe.
The nation joined the rest of the world in honouring soldiers who lost their lives during World Wars I and II, as well as those who perished while serving in various peacekeeping missions.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including the Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General George Alexander Jafu.
Ansah laying a wreath
Also present was the Inspector General of Police, Richard Luhanga, who stood alongside other dignitaries in solemn recognition of the nation’s fallen heroes.
Speaker of Parliament, Sameer Suleman, attended the ceremony, representing the legislative arm of government in paying tribute.
Chief Justice Rizine Robert Mzikamanda was among the dignitaries, symbolizing the unity of all branches of government in remembrance.
Representing President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, the Vice President led the laying of wreaths at the monument.
This act served as a gesture of honour and gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace, freedom, and national security.
During the ceremony, attendees observed a moment of silence to reflect on the bravery and dedication of soldiers past and present.
The event also underscored Malawi’s commitment to remembering the lessons of history and the importance of peacekeeping in today’s world.
Vice President Ansah highlighted the need for national unity and collective responsibility in preserving peace and stability.
She urged citizens to recognise the sacrifices of the military and law enforcement in defending the country and contributing to international peace.
The commemoration also served as an educational moment, reminding younger generations of the courage and resilience of those who fought in global conflicts.
Malawians observed the ceremony with solemnity, laying floral tributes and paying respects to the fallen heroes.
The event concluded with prayers and reflections on the enduring legacy of those who served, inspiring a renewed sense of national pride and remembrance.
Through such ceremonies, Malawi reaffirms its commitment to honouring the memory of its soldiers and ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
Senior government officials, parliament representatives, and war veterans gathered in solemn unity at the Zomba Memorial Tower to honour Malawi’s fallen heroes on Poppy Day.
By Burnett Munthali
Several dignitaries gathered at the historic Zomba Memorial Tower on Saturday to commemorate Poppy Day, a global occasion dedicated to remembering soldiers who sacrificed their lives in war.
The atmosphere was solemn yet dignified as leaders from different sectors of government joined war veterans and citizens in paying their respects to the men and women who fought for peace and freedom.
Among those who laid wreaths at the memorial was Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Esther Jolobala, who represented the Speaker of Parliament during the ceremony.
Her presence symbolized the commitment of the National Assembly to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who defended the nation and its allies in times of conflict.
Minister of Information and Government Spokesperson, Moses Kunkuyu, also laid a wreath on behalf of the Leader of Opposition, representing unity across political divides.
His gesture underscored the idea that remembrance transcends politics and unites all Malawians under a shared history of service and sacrifice.
Ward Themwe, a respected war veteran, also took part in the ceremony, laying a wreath in memory of his fallen comrades.
His participation added deep emotional weight to the occasion, reminding all present of the human stories behind the history — of bravery, hardship, and the enduring will to protect one’s nation.
The event at the Zomba Memorial Tower formed part of Malawi’s national Poppy Day commemorations, held annually to coincide with global Armistice Day observances.
Poppy Day, also known as Remembrance Day, marks the end of World War I on November 11, 1918, and pays tribute to all who have served and died in military conflicts since.
The red poppy, worn proudly by many attendees, stood as a symbol of remembrance and hope — a reminder that the bloodshed of the past must guide the pursuit of lasting peace.
As the wreaths were laid, the crowd observed a moment of silence, reflecting on the cost of war and the responsibility of the living to preserve peace.
The solemn bugle call of the Last Post echoed through the memorial grounds, stirring quiet emotion among those present.
In her remarks, Deputy Speaker Jolobala emphasized that the nation’s freedom and peace were built on the sacrifices of men and women whose names may never be known but whose courage remains eternal.
Minister Kunkuyu added that the unity displayed at the ceremony was a testament to Malawi’s shared values of patriotism, resilience, and respect for human dignity.
War veteran Ward Themwe urged younger generations to cherish the peace they enjoy today and to remember that it was earned through great sacrifice.
He also called for more recognition and support for Malawi’s surviving veterans, many of whom continue to live quietly in rural communities.
The Zomba Memorial Tower, which stands as one of Malawi’s oldest national monuments, was built to honour the African soldiers who fought under the King’s African Rifles during World War I and World War II.
Each year, it draws citizens, military personnel, and leaders from all walks of life to pay homage to the country’s unsung heroes.
This year’s ceremony reflected a deep sense of national pride and gratitude — not only for the fallen but for all those who continue to serve in defense of peace and justice.
As the event concluded, attendees left in quiet reflection, carrying with them the enduring message of Poppy Day: that remembrance is not merely about the past, but about safeguarding the future through unity and peace.
In Zomba and across Malawi, the red poppy continues to bloom as a symbol of both remembrance and renewal — a promise that the sacrifices of yesterday will never be forgotten.
Senior government and security officials in Malawi gathered in Zomba on Saturday to honour the memory of soldiers and citizens who lost their lives during the First World War.
The solemn event took place at the historic Zomba Cenotaph, where participants laid wreaths to pay tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives for peace and freedom.
Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Mary Navicha, led the ceremony alongside her family, laying their wreath as a symbol of national gratitude and remembrance.
Her act reflected a deep respect for the nation’s fallen heroes and the families who continue to carry the legacy of their courage.
This year’s commemoration marks 107 years since the end of World War I, which concluded on 11 November 1918 — a conflict that reshaped global history and profoundly affected countries across Africa, including Malawi.
Among the other distinguished figures who laid wreaths was Brigadier General Harrison Kandula, representing the Malawi Defence Force, who saluted the contribution of Malawian soldiers who served under British command during the war.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations), Stain Bamusi Chaima, also placed a wreath on behalf of the Malawi Police Service, reaffirming the institution’s continued commitment to peacekeeping and national security.
Speaking during the event, officials highlighted the importance of remembering Malawi’s historical contributions to global conflicts and the role played by African soldiers whose sacrifices are often overlooked in world history.
Member of Parliament for Machinga East, Esther Jolobala, attended the ceremony on behalf of the Speaker of the National Assembly, symbolizing the unity of all arms of government in honouring the fallen.
Chief Justice representative, Dick Sankhulani, laid a wreath on behalf of the Judiciary, underscoring that justice and peace are intertwined — both demanding courage and sacrifice.
Minister of Information and Government Spokesperson, Moses Kunkuyu, represented the opposition in Parliament during the commemoration, laying a wreath as a gesture of bipartisan respect for the country’s shared history.
The presence of leaders from different sectors — the military, police, executive, judiciary, and legislature — demonstrated national unity and collective remembrance.
The Zomba Cenotaph, standing tall in the former capital city, serves as a powerful symbol of Malawi’s contribution to global peace efforts.
It commemorates Malawian and African soldiers who fought in both World Wars, many of whom served in the King’s African Rifles, a colonial regiment that played a key role in East African campaigns.
During the ceremony, attendees observed a moment of silence as the Last Post was played, filling the air with solemn reverence.
Wreaths of fresh flowers were laid in neat formation, each one representing gratitude, remembrance, and hope for lasting peace.
Speakers at the event emphasized that the courage of those who fought should inspire the present generation to build a more peaceful, united, and just nation.
Minister Navicha described the commemoration as “a moment of reflection for every Malawian to remember the cost of peace and the value of unity.”
She added that while the world has changed since 1918, the principles of service, sacrifice, and solidarity remain as important today as they were a century ago.
The ceremony also served as a reminder of Malawi’s historical ties to global events and the role its people played in shaping the world’s freedom struggles.
Local schoolchildren and community members joined the dignitaries in the event, demonstrating that remembrance is not only for the leaders but for every citizen.
Veterans’ representatives were also in attendance, honouring their fallen comrades and sharing memories of service and sacrifice.
As the national flag fluttered at half-mast, attendees reflected on the lasting legacy of courage displayed by Malawi’s sons and daughters during the war years.
The commemoration concluded with prayers for peace, unity, and national progress, echoing the enduring message that peace must be protected through remembrance and collective effort.
As Malawi joined the rest of the world in honouring Armistice Day, the event in Zomba stood as a poignant reminder that the nation’s strength lies not only in its present achievements but in its enduring respect for those who laid down their lives for its future.
