By Kenneth Bwanali

LILONGWE–(MaraviPost)–Barely three months after Malawians went to the polls and decisively voted to remove the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) administration, former President Lazarus Chakwera is once again under fire for the very behavior many believe cost him the presidency: a relentless appetite for international travel.

Political analysts and ordinary citizens alike have expressed dismay as news emerged that the former leader has already visited Tanzania and is currently in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. For many, these trips signify a “tone-deaf” approach to the concerns that led to his crushing defeat in the September 16, 2025, general elections.

A Campaign Defined by the “Globetrotter” Label

During his five years in office, Chakwera was frequently criticized for his frequent foreign trips, often accompanied by large entourages.

Critics nicknamed him the “Globetrotter-in-Chief,” arguing that while the country’s economy was in a tailspin—marked by 33% inflation, chronic fuel shortages, and a lack of foreign exchange—the President was busy collecting per diems in foreign capitals.

“The election was a referendum on his lifestyle and his detachment from the suffering of the common man,” said Lilongwe-based political commentator, Kondwani Phiri. “Malawians expected that after losing, he would take a period of quiet reflection at home. Instead, he is back at the airport. It seems he has learned nothing and forgotten nothing.”

Tanzania and Dubai: The Post-Presidency Itinerary

While Chakwera was recently appointed as a Commonwealth Special Envoy to Tanzania to assist with mediation efforts following their own disputed elections—a role that technically justifies his travel—it is the subsequent trip to Dubai that has raised eyebrows.

Social media platforms have been flooded with comments from Malawians who feel that the former president should have prioritized “image repair” by staying grounded in Malawi.

“We voted him out because he loved the sky more than the soil of Malawi,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). “To see him in Dubai now just proves he never really cared about our concerns. He is addicted to the jet-set life.”

The “Changed Man” Opportunity Missed

Political strategists argue that the post-election period offered Chakwera a unique opportunity to prove his critics wrong. By staying at home, engaging with his party’s grassroots, and showing solidarity with Malawians still struggling with the economic mess his administration left behind, he could have built a narrative of a “reformed statesman.”

Instead, the sight of him in international lounges has reinforced the perception of a leader who is more comfortable in the company of foreign dignitaries than in the markets of Area 25 or Limbe.

The Road Ahead for MCP

As the Malawi Congress Party begins the painful process of soul-searching and preparing for life in the opposition, the actions of its leader continue to cast a long shadow.

With Peter Mutharika now back at the helm and promising a “tough and painful” return to economic stability, the MCP needs to convince the electorate that it can be a responsible alternative.

However, as long as its leader continues to prioritize international travel over domestic presence, that remains a difficult sell.

For now, it appears that for Lazarus Chakwera, the world is still his stage—even if the Malawian people have already pulled the curtain on his performance.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are those of the author not necessarily of The Maravi Post or Editor

The Maravi Post

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-In a recent turn of events, the disturbed MCP youth wing announced a vigil in Lilongwe at Lingadzi Police Station to support their detained seniors, Richard Chimwendo Banda and Vitumbiko Mumba.

However, this planned show of solidarity has now been postponed indefinitely, leaving many to question the real value of such actions.

Richard Chimwendo Banda and Vitumbiko Mumba, once seen as untouchable stalwarts during the MCP era under Chakwera, have a history of unabashedly castigating the incumbent President Peter Mutharika when his party was in opposition.

Their current detention might evoke sympathy from their followers, but is staging a vigil truly the best way for the youth to channel their energy?

The MCP youth should take a moment to reflect on their priorities. Instead of wasting time on fruitless demonstrations that achieve little beyond momentary noise, they ought to focus on tangible efforts that benefit their communities and the nation at large.

With the rains falling abundantly, this is the prime season to engage in agricultural activities — particularly weeding and tending to maize fields. This hands-on work not only ensures food security but also empowers the youth through productive labor.

Engaging in farming during this critical period can yield far more meaningful results than standing idle at a vigil.

The youth have a unique opportunity to contribute to Malawi’s development by nurturing the very crops that sustain millions.

It’s a practical way to demonstrate commitment and responsibility, values that the MCP youth should embody if they truly wish to lead and inspire.

Moreover, the incessant political theatrics risk alienating the very communities the youth claim to represent.

Rather than being seen as agents of change, they might be perceived as distracted and ineffective.

The country needs young people who are proactive and solution-oriented, not those who rely on symbolic gestures that do little to address real issues.

The MCP youth’s cancelled vigil should serve as a wake-up call.

They must redirect their energy from unproductive political posturing to meaningful action that improves lives and strengthens the nation’s backbone — agriculture.

Let the fields be their new battleground, where hard work and dedication replace empty protests. The future of Malawi depends on it.

The Maravi Post

When Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president Lazarus Chakwera addressed the nation in Lilongwe, what stood out most was his unwavering faith in God despite the party’s loss in the September 16, 2025 Presidential Election.

His message carried a tone of resilience and spiritual conviction, suggesting that defeat had not diminished his sense of purpose or calling.

Chakwera’s posture reflected the mindset of a leader who sees political setbacks not as endings but as moments of reflection and recalibration.

By grounding his message in faith, he reminded Malawians that leadership is not only about winning elections but also about maintaining moral clarity in difficult moments.

His remarks also hinted at a deliberate effort to steady the MCP during a period of uncertainty, projecting stability to supporters who may still be grappling with the election outcome.

Chakwera’s confidence in divine guidance suggested that he views MCP’s current challenges as temporary hurdles rather than permanent barriers.

This spiritual framing could help calm internal tensions within the party, particularly among factions that may be questioning the party’s direction post-election.

It also positioned Chakwera as a leader prepared to continue shaping Malawi’s political landscape, regardless of his position outside government.

In a country where faith strongly influences public perception, Chakwera’s message is likely to resonate widely among citizens who value humility and steadfastness in leadership.

His comments ultimately conveyed the image of a man unwilling to let political defeat define his legacy, choosing instead to reaffirm the values he believes will anchor both the party and the nation moving forward.

For many Malawians, this statement may serve as a reminder that leadership grounded in faith can be a source of national unity in times of political transition.

The Maravi Post

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-In a political landscape hungry for clarity and direction, former President Lazarus Chakwera’s recent press briefing on Monday was anticipated as a pivotal moment for Malawi’s public discourse.

After months of silence following his electoral defeat, many citizens, stakeholders, and political analysts alike were eager to hear from him—not just as a former leader, but as a key figure in shaping Malawi’s future trajectory amidst pressing national concerns.

Instead, what unfolded was a brief announcement about his acceptance of a Commonwealth assignment to Tanzania, leaving the nation grappling with disappointment, unanswered questions, and a sense of missed opportunity.

The timing and content of the press briefing have sparked widespread condemnation and intense debate across social, political, and media circles.

For a man who once commanded the highest office in Malawi and enjoyed the trust of millions who voted for him, one would expect a more comprehensive engagement with the public. Yet, Chakwera chose to dedicate this rare public appearance to inform the nation of his new role abroad, without addressing the urgent domestic issues that many feel demand his insight and leadership.

The Commonwealth assignment to Tanzania, aimed at supporting peace and stability efforts, is undoubtedly important.

It reflects the recognition of Chakwera’s stature on the international stage and his potential to contribute to regional peacebuilding initiatives.

However, the manner in which this announcement was delivered—through what many perceive as an overhyped press briefing rather than a simple press release—raises questions about the strategic counsel surrounding the former president. Was this briefing genuinely necessary? Or was it a misstep that squandered a crucial platform to reconnect with a nation still grappling with unresolved challenges?

Critics argue that Chakwera’s advisors failed him and, by extension, the Malawian public. Calling a press briefing implies a substantive engagement, a sharing of significant news or perspectives that warrant public attention and dialogue.

The expectation was not simply to hear about a foreign assignment, but to gain insight into Chakwera’s reflections on his political journey since the elections, his views on national reconciliation, and his stance on ongoing issues such as the tragic Chikangawa plane crash proposed fresh commission of inquiry.

This disaster, which claimed numerous lives, has generated calls for a fresh commission of inquiry, underscoring a broader demand for accountability and transparency from all leaders, including former presidents.

Instead, Chakwera’s silence on these critical matters has left many feeling abandoned at a time when the country yearns for unity and leadership beyond electoral politics. The public’s hunger for answers and direction was palpable.

They wanted to hear whether Chakwera would support efforts to heal the nation, contribute to meaningful dialogue on governance and justice, or outline his future plans within Malawi’s political or civic arena. Instead, the briefing offered a narrow focus, confined to his personal career move, without acknowledging the broader national mood or the responsibility that comes with his past role.

This episode also highlights a deeper issue about political communication and leadership accountability in Malawi.

Public figures, especially those who have held the highest offices, carry a responsibility that transcends personal ambitions. Their words and actions can either foster hope or deepen disillusionment.

By failing to seize this moment to speak candidly and comprehensively, Chakwera inadvertently fueled skepticism about his commitment to national interests and raised doubts about the quality of advice he receives.

There is also a broader lesson to be learned about managing public expectations.

A press briefing is not merely a formality; it is a platform that can shape narratives, build trust, and influence public sentiment.

When used effectively, it can unify a nation and inspire collective action. When squandered, as in this case, it risks alienating the very people who once placed their faith in a leader.

Many observers have suggested that if the sole purpose was to announce an international assignment, a straightforward press release or a smaller media statement would have sufficed, preserving the gravitas of a formal briefing for more substantive engagements.

Moreover, the timing of this announcement—coming at a moment when the nation is grappling with sensitive issues—raises questions about priorities.

Malawi is at a crossroads, facing challenges that require dialogue, healing, and visionary leadership. The Chikangawa tragedy alone demands attention from all leaders, including former presidents, to restore public confidence in governance and safety.

By sidestepping these issues, Chakwera missed an opportunity to demonstrate empathy, responsibility, and continued engagement with the country’s well-being.

In essence, this press briefing was a test of leadership beyond office, a chance for Chakwera to redefine his role as a statesman and elder figure in Malawi’s political landscape.

Unfortunately, the narrowness of the message and the absence of engagement on critical issues have left many feeling that he has retreated from public life rather than embraced it in a new, more mature capacity.

The silence on pressing national matters after such a long absence from the public eye felt like a void where leadership should have been.

Looking forward, the expectations for former President Chakwera remain high.

Malawi, like many nations, benefits from the active participation of experienced leaders who can offer wisdom, bridge divides, and champion causes that transcend partisan politics.

If Chakwera is to maintain relevance and respect, he must consider how best to communicate with his countrymen in ways that acknowledge their concerns and aspirations.

Future engagements should demonstrate openness, accountability, and a willingness to contribute constructively to national discourse.

For now, the legacy of this press briefing is one of missed potential and public frustration.

It serves as a reminder that leadership is not just about titles or assignments abroad but about meaningful connection and service to one’s people at home.

Chakwera’s journey post-presidency is still unfolding, and whether he chooses to respond to this moment with renewed commitment to Malawi’s pressing issues remains to be seen.

But the nation watches, hopeful that the next time he steps into the public eye, it will be with a message that truly matters and a vision that inspires.

The former president’s decision to call a press briefing only to announce his foreign assignment, while omitting commentary on pressing national issues, reflects poorly on his leadership and advisory team. It was a missed opportunity to re-engage with a nation eager for direction and reassurance.

Malawi deserves better from its leaders, past and present, and should expect them to rise to the occasion when history calls.

The Maravi Post