NAP condemns 41% fuel price hike

Posted on by admin

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The National Advocacy Platform (NAP) has criticised the 41 percent fuel price increase announced by the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), describing the move as ill timed and burdensome to ordinary Malawians already grappling with rising living costs.

In a statement signed by NAP Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe and National Coordinator Baxton Nkhoma, the organisation said the fuel price adjustment, which took effect on 20 January 2026, comes barely months after a previous fuel hike and amid several recent tax increases, including Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Value Added Tax (VAT), pension tax, property tax and death benefit tax.

According to the organisation, fuel is a key driver of economic activity, affecting transport, food distribution, access to health services, education and small scale businesses.

NAP warned that the sharp increase is likely to trigger higher prices for essential goods and services, thereby worsening the cost of living for low income households.

While acknowledging the role of the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM) in regulating fuel prices, NAP argued that the mechanism should not be applied rigidly without measures to cushion citizens during periods of economic hardship.

The organisation maintained that Government has the discretion to introduce mitigation measures to protect vulnerable groups.

NAP also questioned the justification that the fuel hike is necessary to prevent fuel shortages, saying the social and economic consequences of higher fuel prices should be carefully considered.

The organisation noted that increases in fuel costs typically translate into higher transport fares and food prices, with disproportionate effects on the poor.

The advocacy group has since called on Government to review the scale and timing of the fuel price increase and consider introducing targeted relief measures, including transport and food price stabilisation initiatives.

It has also urged authorities to reduce non essential public expenditure and reassess the cumulative tax burden on citizens.

NAP further appealed for increased transparency and engagement with civil society in the formulation of energy and economic policies, arguing that inclusive dialogue is key to achieving sustainable and people centred solutions.

The organisation said it remains open to constructive engagement with Government and relevant institutions to promote economic stability and social protection.

The Maravi Post

Malawi passport crisis: Immigration officer Rowland Brown nailed for MK300,000 bribe

Posted on by admin

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-A dramatic turn of events unfolded at the Immigration Department in Lilongwe, as Rowland Brown, an immigration officer, was arrested for allegedly scamming a client MK300, 000.

The arrest was made possible by a surprise visit from Deputy Minister of Homeland Security, Norman Chisale, who had received a tip about corrupt practices within the department.

Chisale’s visit was a bolt out of the blue, aimed at catching officers off guard and rooting out corruption.

And it seems his efforts paid off, as Brown was caught red-handed, leading to his immediate arrest.

This bold move by the Deputy Minister sends a strong message that corruption will no longer be tolerated in the Immigration Department.

The arrest has been met with jubilation, with many seeing it as a step in the right direction towards eradicating corruption in public institutions.

The public is eager to see more of such actions, and for those involved in corrupt practices to face the music.

The Immigration Department has been plagued by allegations of corruption, with many claiming that officers are more interested in lining their pockets than serving the people.

Brown’s arrest is a clear indication that the authorities are serious about stamping out this menace.

The Deputy Minister’s actions are a testament to his commitment to fighting corruption and promoting transparency.

His bravery in taking on corrupt officials is commendable, and we hope that this is just the beginning of a long and fruitful war against corruption.

The case has sparked widespread interest, with many calling for more stringent measures to tackle corruption.

The public is watching, and it’s time for institutions to take concrete actions to restore trust and faith in the system.

As the case unfolds, one thing is clear: corruption will no longer be tolerated, and those involved will face the full force of the law.

The people of Malawi demand accountability, and it’s time institutions delivered.

Way forward

The arrest of Rowland Brown is a victory for the people, and a reminder that together, we can create a corruption-free Malawi.

Let’s keep the momentum going and ensure that those who abuse their power are brought to book.

This is just the beginning of a new chapter in Malawi’s fight against corruption.

Let’s make sure it’s a chapter that ends with a corruption-free nation, where institutions serve the people, not their own interests.

The Maravi Post

Haiya demands MK200 million from Nyamilandu over alleged defamatory remarks

Posted on by admin

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Fleetwood Haiya has issued a legal demand against former FAM president Walter Nyamilandu, accusing him of making defamatory remarks following the association’s presidential election.

Haiya, through his lawyers Blackstone Chambers, is demanding K200 million in damages, a public apology and the removal of statements allegedly made on the Face2Face sports platform on January 5.

According to the demand letter, the remarks allegedly implied that Haiya won the FAM presidency through fraudulent means.

Haiya’s legal team argues that the statements have damaged his reputation and questioned his integrity as the head of Malawi’s football governing body.

The lawyers have given Nyamilandu seven days to comply with the demands, failing which further legal action may be taken.

The dispute follows the FAM elective general assembly held on December 16, 2023, where Haiya emerged victorious in the presidential race in Mzuzu.

Haiya defeated Nyamilandu by 23 votes to 13, bringing an end to Nyamilandu’s long tenure at the helm of the association.

Nyamilandu had served as FAM president for 19 years, making the election one of the most significant leadership transitions in Malawian football.

The legal action relates to comments allegedly made after the election, which Haiya says undermine the legitimacy of the electoral process.

The matter has attracted attention within football circles due to the senior positions previously held by both individuals.

By the time of publication, Nyamilandu had not responded to the allegations or the legal demand.

The Maravi Post

Greening Malawi: A new season of growth unfolds

Posted on by admin

Phalombe-(MaraviPost)-Second Vice President Enock Chihana is presiding over the launch of this year’s 2025/2026 tree planting season at Mpata Primary School in Phalombe District, under the theme “Trees and Forests for Community Resilience.”

The event marks a significant milestone in Malawi’s efforts to enhance environmental sustainability and community resilience.

Chihana has planted fruit trees in Karama Village to mark the official launch, setting an example for others to follow.

He is accompanied by Minister of Natural Resources, Alfred Gangata, highlighting the government’s commitment to environmental conservation.

Other dignitaries include the Democtric Progressive Party Regional Governor for the South, Charles Mchacha, Mayor of Blantyre City, Isaac Jomo Osman, and senior government officials, underscoring the collaborative effort to promote tree planting.

The Department of Forestry says it has planned to plant over 41 million trees during the season, which started on 15 December and will end on 15 April, a ambitious target that requires collective action.

This initiative aims to make a tangible impact on Malawi’s environment and communities, promoting a greener future for all.

The Maravi Post

Chinese wildlife convict Yunhua Lin’s corruption case full trial March 10, Remains on remand

Posted on by admin

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The High Court seating in Lilongwe on Tuesday adjourned to March 10 2026 a case in which wildlife crimes and money laundering convict Lin Yinhua is answering seven charges of corrupt practices with public officers and abuse of public offices.

High court judge Redson Kapindu made the adjournment when he was making directions in the case, indicating that the case would run for three days from March 10 to 13, 2026.

Judge Kapindu ruled that within 14 days the defence should identify a competent interpreter for client and counsel engagement.

“Make sure that within seven days assistant registrar of the court should engage Messrs Maele Law Practice to file a written notice that it no longer represents the accused”, Kapindu orders.

The judge also rules further, “Make sure that within 14 days the prosecution should ensure that the high court file contains all disclosures which shall be served to the defence with the materials”.

Anti-Corruption Bureau principal legal and prosecution officer Peter Sambani therefore told the court that the state is ready for the full trial.

Sambani hinted that the state will parade its 16 witnesses against the suspect on corruption and public officers abuses’ charges.

Among others, Lin is accused of offering K30 million to Aaron Ganyavu Kaunda who was the officer In charge of Maula Prison to engage then chief resident Magistrate Violet Chipao who was presiding over his wildlife and money laundering case, to give him a lesser sentence while he was on remand at Maula Prison in 2019.

This means Lin will remain on remand at Dedza Prison until full trial.

On November 7, 2025 High Court Judge Redson Kapindu rejected Lin’s applications discharge on unlawful detention and bail application.

Buy Book 365 days

Kapindu cited the suspect being flight risk and the serious offences he committed might compromise the court proceedings.

The case arose shortly after Lin’s controversial presidential pardon in July, this year which was followed by his re-arrest by ACB

The Maravi Post

How CDF Bill standoff touches lives of ordinary Malawians

Posted on by admin

By Zakeyu Mamba

LILONGWE-(Maravi-Post)-Public debate has intensified following President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s decision not to assent to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Bill that was passed by Members of Parliament last year.

Rather than focusing solely on political disagreements, analysts say the move highlights broader concerns about governance, accountability, and economic management.

Governance expert Latimu Matenje argues that the President’s stance reflects adherence to democratic principles, particularly the need to safeguard public resources and ensure that development initiatives genuinely benefit citizens.

Matenje notes that through the Ministries of Justice and Finance, the CDF framework requires careful scrutiny to ensure transparency and effectiveness.

He believes that, if properly managed, the fund has the potential to transform lives by bringing development closer to communities, but only under strong oversight mechanisms.

Another analyst, Joseph Kandiyesa, has taken a more cautious view, suggesting that the country should first assess the practical outcomes of the proposed law before drawing firm conclusions.

He says the legislation is still new and untested, making it important to evaluate whether it would achieve its intended goals without creating financial strain.

Kandiyesa also pointed out that the President’s refusal to sign the bill may have significant implications.

According to him, the concerns raised by Mutharika are largely centred on protecting Malawi’s economic interests and ensuring fiscal discipline at a time when the country faces serious economic challenges.

Overall, commentators agree that the debate over the CDF Bill goes beyond partisan politics.

Instead, it raises critical questions about how development funds should be managed, who should control them, and how best to balance decentralised development with national economic stability.

The Maravi Post