Malawi opposition demands answers over Mutharika’s prolonged South Africa stay

He also urged the government to outline measures to tackle persistent fuel shortages, frequent power cuts, foreign currency shortages and the lack of essential medicines in public hospitals.

However, Information Minister, Shadric Namalomba, dismissed suggestions that Mutharika’s absence had created a leadership vacuum, insisting the president remained fully in charge despite being outside the country.

“A state president is always in charge at any time, anywhere,” Namalomba told local media.
When asked about the purpose of the visit, he said: “A private trip is private.”

The minister also accused the opposition of trying to exploit economic problems inherited from the previous administration led by former president Lazarus Chakwera, whom Mutharika defeated to return to office in October last year.

On Thursday, Mutharika delegated the Minister of Trade to lead Malawi’s delegation to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) summit in Zimbabwe.

Earlier this month, the government dismissed social media reports claiming the president had travelled from South Africa to India for medical treatment.

Chief Secretary to the Government, Justin Saidi, said Mutharika remained in South Africa and urged the public not to circulate unverified information.

Mutharika has repeatedly rejected speculation about his health, describing such claims as “silly and laughable” and maintaining that he is in good health.

Malawi continues to face a severe shortage of foreign currency, disrupting fuel imports and contributing to long queues at filling stations, rising transport costs and growing public frustration over the country’s economic difficulties.

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