Standard Bank aids MK50m towards Nkhotakota flood relief response

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Standard Bank Plc has donated MK50 Million for relief efforts to affected communities of Nkhotakota in central Malawi.

This is in response to the aftermath of recent national flood disasters.

Handing over the donation, Standard Bank Chief Executive Phillip Madinga said the donation aims to complement government’s efforts in addressing the immediate needs of the victims.

“Today’s donation of Mk50 million speaks directly to our purpose of Driving Malawi’s Growth. To us, growth is not only measured by financial outcomes or economic indicators.

“True growth is reflected in the strength of our communities and in how we care for one another when life turns difficult,” he said.

According to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA), Nkhotakota has recorded 12 deaths,37 injuries and two missing persons.

The department adds that more than 10,912 households have been affected in the district.

The department adds that the donation by Standard Bank Plc supports a camp in T/A Kanyenda Dwangwa area that is catering for approximately 3,000 displaced people.

Many people are living in camps.

Madinga said the donation reiterates Standard Bank’s long-term commitment to responding to the country’s complex disasters.

Notable disasters include the call for Hunger Relief last year, relief from effects of Cyclones Ana, Idai and Freddy; and the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In December, the bank contributed K200 Million in response to President Peter Mutharika’s declaration of disaster on hunger.

“As a bank, we also recognize that these disasters are closely linked to the growing realities of climate change. Standard Bank is a founding signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Banking, aligning our operations with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.

“These commitments compel us not only to respond to crises, but to actively support efforts that protect our environment and safeguard future generations. We therefore pledge to continue playing our part in collaborative initiatives aimed at building resilience and preventing the recurrence of such tragedies,” said the Chief Executive.

Chief Secretary in the office of President and Cabinet Dr. Justin Saidi thanked Standard Bank for its long history of assisting in times of disaster.

“Today’s donation will greatly assist in meeting the needs of victims living in camps and those outside. It’s pleasing to note that Standard Bank is always moving together with us on this journey. Their generous donation of MWK50 million is a true sign of solidarity,” he said.

Standard Bank has partnered World Vision International and DODMA in the Office of President and Cabinet for the relief response.

“There are families who lost all they had worked for, and their loved ones and are in dire need. We express deep gratitude to Standard Bank for their donation, and responding to the call ,” said Charles Chimombo, WVI Director of Programs.

Through this donation, Standard Bank Plc reaffirms its commitment to standing with communities in times of need and working alongside Government, humanitarian partners and stakeholders to support recovery and long‑term resilience.

The Bank remains dedicated to driving inclusive growth, strengthening community wellbeing and contributing meaningfully to national development, particularly in the face of increasing climate‑related challenges.

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NAP condemns 41% fuel price hike

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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.

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Trump’s World Stage, El Paso Detention Deaths, Indiana College Football Champions

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As world leaders gather in Davos, President Trump escalates pressure on allies with new tariff threats, renewed talk of acquiring Greenland, and plans for a sweeping new “Board of Peace” that could reshape global diplomacy.
Three people die in six weeks at the country’s largest immigration detention center in El Paso, raising urgent questions about medical care, oversight, and the role of private contractors.
And Indiana completes one of the most improbable turnarounds in college football history, capping a perfect season with a national championship win over Miami.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Dana Farrington, Alfredo Carbajal, Russell Lewis, Mohamad ElBardicy, Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

And our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:58) Trump’s World Stage
(05:51) El Paso Detention Deaths
(09:17) Indiana College Football Champions

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CDEDI demands fresh inquiry on Chikangawa MDF plane crash before perpetrators’ arrests

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights group Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has formally called on President Arthur Peter Mutharika to take decisive action on the June 10, 2024 Malawi Defence Force (MDF) plane crash at Chikangawa in Nkhata Bay, demanding a fresh inquest into the tragic incident.

Addressing the news conference on Tuesday, January 2026 CDEDI executive director Sylvester Namiwa disclosed the grouping has written Mutharika urging him to act on recommendations earlier presented by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Charles Mhango, shortly after assuming office.

Namiwa in the red addressing the news conference

The organisation wants a renewed and independent probe into the circumstances surrounding the crash of the Dornier 228 aircraft (MAF-TO3), which claimed the lives of nine people, including the Vice President, a former First Lady, senior government officials and members of the MDF and Malawi Police Service.

CDEDI argues that Malawians voted President Mutharika into office with the hope that his administration would help the nation find closure by uncovering the truth behind what it describes as the country’s most devastating aircraft accident.

According to the organisation, the commission of inquiry appointed by former president Lazarus Chakwera failed to provide satisfactory answers and was widely rejected by the public, with some viewing it as an attempt to conceal the truth.

The pressure group says families and friends of the victims, both locally and abroad, continue to suffer unresolved pain, which can only be healed by a comprehensive, credible and transparent report that fully accounts for events before, during and after the crash.

CDEDI maintains that only such a process can provide genuine closure and restore public trust.
The organisation further notes growing calls in some quarters for criminal investigations, alleging that the then Malawi Congress Party (MCP) led administration attempted to force acceptance of what critics termed a “sham” report.

Among the concerns raised is the claim that former president Chakwera reportedly learned of the crash from a neighbouring head of state minutes after it occurred, rather than from officials within his own government and that there was a 12-hour delay before an official announcement was made to the nation.

CDEDI says experts have suggested that any fresh probe should begin with examining the final communication between the pilot, the late Flora Selemani and a senior officer at Zomba Airbase.

It also questions several public statements made during the search and rescue phase, including updates from the former army chief and appeals by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority, describing them as potentially criminal in nature.

The organisation has also raised concern over the suspension of search efforts in the evening, alleged obstruction of access to the crash site and unresolved technical questions from aircraft experts in Germany, including reports that the plane made a 360 degree turn before crashing.

CDEDI says a forensic audit should have followed the expert report to clarify these issues and determine who authorised the use of an aircraft that was later described as a flight risk.

While acknowledging President Mutharika’s earlier assurance that the Justice Minister was reviewing the rejected report, CDEDI says public patience is wearing thin as days have turned into weeks without concrete action.

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Global Survey Finds Citizens back a World Parliament as Trust in International System Erodes

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Civil Society, Democracy, Global, Global Governance, Headlines, Human Rights, International Justice, IPS UN: Inside the Glasshouse, TerraViva United Nations

Opinion

A global survey across 101 countries finds global majority support for a citizen-elected world parliament to handle global issues, reflecting widespread concern over an outdated and undemocratic international order. Credit: Democracy Without Borders

BERLIN, Germany, Jan 20 2026 (IPS) – As democracy faces pressure around the world and confidence in international law drops, a new global survey reveals that citizens in a vast majority of countries support the idea of creating a citizen-elected world parliament to deal with global issues.

The survey, commissioned by Democracy Without Borders and conducted across 101 countries representing 90% of the world’s population, finds that 40% of respondents support the proposal, while only 27% are opposed. It is the largest poll ever carried out thus far on this subject.

Support is strongest in countries of the Global South, especially Sub-Saharan Africa, and among groups often underrepresented in national political systems—young people, ethnic minorities, and those with lower income or education levels. In 85 out of 101 countries surveyed, more respondents support the idea than oppose it.

“The message is clear: people around the world are ready to expand democratic representation to the global scale,” said Andreas Bummel, Executive Director of Democracy Without Borders. “This survey shows there is a growing global constituency that wants a voice in decisions affecting humanity as a whole,” he added.

The findings come at a time when the international system is under increasing strain from climate change, war, geopolitical conflicts, authoritarian resurgence, and stalled global cooperation. The results suggest that many citizens—especially in less powerful countries—see a world parliament as a pathway to fairer and more effective global governance.

In countries with limited political freedoms, support for a world parliament is particularly high. According to Democracy Without Borders, this points to a public perception that global democratic institutions could help advance democracy at home as well.

A notable 33% of respondents globally selected a neutral stance, suggesting unfamiliarity with the concept. An analysis of the survey results argues that this indicates a wide-open space for public engagement. If the idea gains visibility, support could grow substantially, it says.

“The international system created in the last century to prevent war and mass violence is built on the United Nations. But many UN member states do not represent their people. They represent oppressive authoritarian elites who have seized power.

The proposed vision of a citizen-elected world parliament could be a vital step in the discussion about building a more democratic global order,” said Oleksandra Matviichuk, head of the Centre for Civil Liberties in Ukraine awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize.

According to the survey, net opposition found in individual countries is most concentrated in high-income democracies. “This is not a rejection of democracy. It is a reminder that privilege may breed complacency, and that those who benefit from existing arrangements may underestimate how urgently they need renewal,” commented George Papandreou, Greek Member of Parliament and former Prime Minister.

Democracy Without Borders, an international civil society organization, advocates for the establishment of a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly as a step toward a democratic world parliament. The organization says the survey results reinforce the urgency for democratic governments to consider this long-standing proposal.

IPS UN Bureau

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Giant Replica of Trump’s Alleged Bday Card to Epstein Lands on National Mall

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There’s a new tourist attraction at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. … a gigantic replica of the birthday card Donald Trump allegedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein can now be seen — and signed — by tourists. As you know … Trump reportedly drew…

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