Chihana urges Malawians to have faith in Blue Alliance Administration

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Airtel Malawi

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Second Vice-President Enock Chihana has called on Malawians to remain confident in the Blue Alliance-led administration, stressing that government is working tirelessly to resolve the social and economic hardships currently facing the nation.

Speaking on Saturday during a “Thank You” rally at Nchalo in Chikwawa, Chihana said President Peter Mutharika’s government is committed to implementing practical, people-focused interventions aimed at stabilising key sectors of the economy.

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He noted that efforts are underway to strengthen the food supply chain, ensure consistent fuel availability, reduce fertiliser prices and improve access to essential commodities and services.

Chihana attributed many of the challenges affecting Malawians to what he described as the mismanagement of national affairs by the previous administration.

He said inherited issues such as distorted fuel procurement systems, unpaid suppliers, fertiliser shortages and forex constraints continue to place pressure on ordinary citizens.

Despite these hurdles, the Second Vice-President appealed for patience, saying ongoing reforms will soon yield positive results.

“Maize are available even fuel are also available and we are fixing this country ” he assured the gathering.

During the rally, the AFORD leader also took time to thank the people of Chikwawa and Nsanje for overwhelmingly backing President Mutharika in the September 16 presidential election.

According to official figures, the Lower Shire delivered 280,480 votes for the Blue Alliance, including 187,283 from Chikwawa plus an additional 7,000 from traditional leaders’ strongholds while Nsanje contributed 93,000 votes, with a further 10,000 going to other candidates.

Chihana also reiterated his party’s unwavering commitment to the alliance, expressing confidence that the partnership with the DPP would secure another national victory in the 2030 general elections.

He further criticised the former ruling party, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), accusing it of oppressing Malawians during its time in office.

Chihana said with the southern region contributing 92 percent of its votes to the Blue Alliance, there is no doubt the government enjoys strong support and a clear mandate from the people.

He reaffirmed that maize imports from Zambia are secured, fertiliser stocks are available, fuel supply has stabilised and forex inflows are gradually improving.

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Veep Ansah departs Malawi to lead delegation to AU–EU Summit in Angola

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Airtel Malawi

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s Vice-President Jane Ansah has departed Malawi for Luanda, Angola, leaving Kamuzu International Airport at 8:10 a.m.

Her trip follows an appointment by President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, who entrusted her with leading the Malawian delegation to the 7th African Union–European Union Summit.

Capital One

The summit will take place in Luanda from 24 to 26 November 2025.

It will be held under the theme Promoting Peace and Prosperity through Effective Multilateralism.

A press release issued on 21 November 2025 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the Vice-President’s assignment.

The statement emphasised that the high-level meeting is expected to explore enhanced cooperation in several key areas.

These areas include peace, security, governance, and broader aspects of international collaboration.

Dr Ansah’s participation underscores Malawi’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to global and regional dialogue.

Her leadership of the delegation signals the government’s intention to engage proactively with continental and international partners.

The summit is anticipated to provide opportunities for strengthening ties between Africa and Europe.

It is also expected to promote joint strategies aimed at advancing stability, development, and shared prosperity.

Vice-President Ansah’s arrival in Angola marks the beginning of Malawi’s active involvement in discussions that will shape future cooperation frameworks.

Her mission is seen as an important step in reaffirming Malawi’s role on the global stage.

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MPs raise concerns over council access meetings

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Airtel Malawi

By Zakeyu Mamba

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Members of Parliament (MPs) have expressed growing concerns over being barred from attending and speaking at local council meetings, raising questions about oversight and accountability at the local government level.

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MPs Yona Dadawisa Nkandawire and Richard Chimwendo Banda brought the matter to Parliament on 20th November 2025, during ongoing deliberations in Lilongwe.

They highlighted instances where some local councils have imposed restrictions on MPs, limiting their ability to participate fully in council proceedings.

Banda reported that, although he was allowed to attend a council session, he was denied the right to speak, which he described as a challenge to Parliament’s role in ensuring transparency in local governance.

He emphasized that such restrictions undermine MPs’ ability to monitor the activities of local councils effectively.

Responding to the concerns, Local Government Minister Ben Phiri stated that MPs do have the right to inquire about the use of council funds, stressing that oversight by Parliament is essential to promote accountability.

However, he clarified that a court ruling currently prevents MPs from participating in voting during council meetings, which limits their direct influence over council decisions but does not negate their oversight functions.

Speaker of Parliament Sameer Sulemani confirmed that Parliament is actively addressing the matter.

He indicated that measures are being considered to ensure MPs can carry out their oversight responsibilities effectively without infringing on the legal frameworks governing local councils.

The debate underscores ongoing tensions between Parliament and local councils regarding transparency, governance, and the monitoring of public funds.

MPs’ concerns reflect a broader demand for strengthened accountability mechanisms, particularly in ensuring that local authorities operate openly and in line with legal standards.

As the discussions continue, the issue highlights the delicate balance between local council autonomy and parliamentary oversight, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between different arms of government to protect public interest and maintain good governance practices.

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Zambia, China forge new horizons as Premier Li Qiang visits Lusaka

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Airtel Malawi

LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Zambia on Wednesday night, embarking on an official visit designed to strengthen the long-standing ties between the two nations.

He was warmly received at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) in Lusaka by Vice President Mutale Nalumango, senior Zambian officials, and representatives of the Chinese Embassy.

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The visit represents a historic moment, being the first official trip by a Chinese head of government to Zambia in nearly three decades.

It is also Premier Li’s first engagement in a sub-Saharan African country since taking office.

Zambia and China have maintained diplomatic relations for more than sixty years, marked by landmark collaborations such as the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA).

Their partnership has grown to include extensive cooperation in sectors such as energy, healthcare, mining, and industrial development.

Prior to the visit, China’s Ambassador to Zambia highlighted the desire to advance the consensus reached between President Hakainde Hichilema and President Xi Jinping.

The Ambassador also emphasized the importance of implementing decisions from the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit.

“This visit is meant to enhance political trust, promote mutually beneficial projects, and strengthen coordination on regional and international matters,” the Ambassador said.

He added that the visit further demonstrates the commitment to building an ‘All-Weather China–Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era.’

The ambassador reflected on the deep historical bond between the two nations, noting China’s support for Zambia during its liberation struggle.

China also played a pivotal role in constructing TAZARA, which helped break the economic isolation facing Zambia at the time.

He stressed that Chinese investments continue to contribute significantly to Zambia’s economic development and social progress.

In 2023, President Hakainde Hichilema visited China, where he and President Xi upgraded bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership.

This partnership ushered in a new era of engagement between the two countries.

Since that time, Zambia has witnessed the launch of several key projects, including the Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway, the Luanshya Shaft 28 dewatering project, and the Chisamba Solar Power Plant.

Recent debt restructuring agreements have also facilitated smoother cooperation between Zambia and China.

During the FOCAC Beijing Summit, a Memorandum of Understanding for revitalizing TAZARA was signed, followed by a concession agreement in October.

Premier Li’s current visit aims to consolidate previous achievements while setting the stage for new initiatives in bilateral cooperation.

He is scheduled to hold talks with President Hichilema at State House, where discussions will focus on enhancing trade, boosting economic cooperation, and promoting South–South solidarity.

Officials expect over a dozen agreements to be signed, covering areas such as trade, green energy, innovation, and education.

Premier Li is also expected to witness the groundbreaking of the TAZARA revitalization project.

China’s recently announced 15th Five-Year Plan, which emphasizes innovation, green development, and social inclusion, closely aligns with Zambia’s national development priorities.

The visit underscores the shared commitment of both nations to sustainable growth, technological advancement, and strengthened diplomatic ties.

It signals a renewed chapter in China-Zambia relations, built on history, mutual respect, and future-oriented collaboration.

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MEC declares Alfred Gangata as winner for Lilongwe Mtandire-Mtsiriza Parliamentary Seat

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Airtel Malawi

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has announced that Alfred Gangata won the parliamentary election for the Lilongwe Mtandire–Mtsiriza constituency.

In a media briefing on Thursday, MEC Chairperson, Annabel Mtalimanja said Gangata, who represented governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), secured 12,369 votes while his closest competitor, George Zulu, received 12,360 votes.

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The announcement follows a court ruling ordering MEC to release the results after George Zulu filed a complaint alleging several irregularities in the election, which had initially prompted MEC to withhold the results.

Gangata is DPP Central Region Vice President and Minister of State in President PeterMutharika’s administration.

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When will Mutharika reinstitute Parastatal boards amid fears of corruption breeding?

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Airtel Malawi

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-As of November 20, 2025, most of Malawi’s parastatal boards remain vacant, more than six weeks after the government dissolved all previous boards.

The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) announced the dissolution of all boards of parastatal organisations and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) on October 7, 2025, with immediate effect.

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When contacted on the appointments delay, President Peter Mutharika’s Press Secretary Cathy Maulidi referred The Maravi Post to Chief Secretary arguing that, “The State House is the last slot to comment as it starts from Chief Secretary”.

Chief Secretary to Malawi government Justin Saidi acknowledged the delay.

Saidi however cited complications in the appointment process as the reason for the delay in filling the vacancies.

He therefore assured that the reconstitution of boards is underway, though no comprehensive list of new appointees has been released to date.

The absence of functioning boards has created a governance vacuum, raising concerns among experts about potential risks and the concentration of power in the hands of SOE executives.

During this period, all matters requiring the attention of boards are being directed to the OPC through the Department of Statutory Corporations.

The Department has also suspended all ongoing and planned recruitments and major procurements across all parastatals to prevent irregularities during the transitional period.

Since the dissolution, the only notable appointment announced has been that of Felix Tambulasi as Commissioner General of the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA).

However, Tambulasi’s appointment is an executive position and does not address the vacancies at board level.

Governance experts warn that prolonged vacancies could hinder decision-making, delay critical projects, and increase administrative bottlenecks within state-owned enterprises.

Some observers have urged the government to expedite the appointment process to restore proper oversight and accountability in parastatals.

The government maintains that once the process is complete, new boards will be equipped to provide effective governance and ensure transparency in operations.

As the appointment process continues, stakeholders remain keenly monitoring developments to gauge how soon Malawi’s parastatals will regain functional leadership.

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