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Articles by Eamon Piringu
MEC Officials Questioned Over Alleged Financial Mismanagement
Four senior officials from the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) were summoned by the Fiscal Police in Lilongwe on Tuesday for questioning over alleged financial mismanagement at the Commission. Those summoned include MEC Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi, Director of Finance Khumbo Phiri, Deputy Chief Executive Officer responsible for Finance and Administration Andrew Kankwalala, and Director of Human Resources Dr. Yacinto Chikapa.
Wired for Loss: The Hidden Cost of Power Vandalism in Malawi
Every year in Malawi, three billion Kwacha is lost in vandalism of Escom equipment. And that loss comes with disruption of essential social services such as hospitals, every day businesses and water supply. Vandalism of Escom equipment targets transformers and cables, often copper, resulting in chronic power outages that stop these essential services.
The Fading Dream of Chipoka Port
Once upon a time, goods would get into Malawi from either Mozambique or Tanzania through Lake Malawi at Chipoka inland port in Salima and by road or rail into Blantyre, Lilongwe or Mzuzu cities. Today that is history. The road network, the rail network and the lake services are no longer as vibrant while the socio-economic status of the people and their nation is also plummeting.
Mumba to Remain Independent In Parliament
Mzimba Central legislator Vitumbiko Mumba, who was running mate to MCP president Lazarus Chakwera in the just-ended elections, says he will remain an independent Member of Parliament in the August House. Mumba told Zodiak Online at Parliament this morning that he wants to serve the people who voted for him as an independent legislator, stressing that his political mandate and survival lie with his constituents. “I haven’t heard anything yet from the MCP.
Leader of Opposition Calls for Better Economic Planning
Leader of Opposition, Simplex Chithyola-Banda, has challenged the government to present a clear and actionable economic plan to address the challenges currently facing Malawians. Chithyola-Banda said the government must explain how it intends to fund key sectors — including the free secondary education programme — amid the prevailing economic hardships.
Transfer Galore for DCs as Police Commissioners get Injunction
The Ministry of Local Government has transfered and redeployments of several District Commissioners across the country. Zodiak has information that District Commissioners from Dowa, Kasungu, Lilongwe and Mchinji are among those affected by the transfers and redeployments, with some moving to the civil service. Spokesperson for the Ministry, Chimwemwe Njoloma, has confirmed the development saying this is meant to strengthen operations in the government.
Human Rights Advocates Calls for Dialogue on Death Penalty
The Center for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) has backed calls for an inclusive national dialogue, engagement, and leadership on the abolition of the death penalty in Malawi. CHRR Executive Director, Micheal Kaiyatsa, says holding a serious and broad-based conversation on the issue would help the country build consensus toward fully abolishing the death penalty.
Malawi’s Exports Decline by 7.1% in 2024
A new Malawi Trade Report shows that the country’s exports declined by 7.1 percent in 2024, widening the trade deficit to US$2.36 billion. The inaugural report, released today by the Export Development Fund (EDF), indicates that Malawi imported goods worth US$3.3 billion against export earnings of US$958.5 million during the year.
Two Refugees Reclaim Five Shipping Containers After Court Order
Two refugees whose shipping containers were confiscated by police during the 2023 refugee relocation exercise have today walked out of the National Police Headquarters in Lilongwe smiling, after successfully reclaiming their property following a court order. The two, Tayub Garffar Jusab and Jean Claude Mbarubukeye, collected a combined five containers after the court ordered their release.
Parliament Confirms Richard Luhanga as New Inspector General of Police
Parliament has on Thursday confirmed Richard Luhanga as the new Inspector General (IG) of the Malawi Police Service. The motion—which did not pass through the Public Appointments Committee (PAC) as the committee is yet to be constituted—sailed through without opposition, with almost all legislators supporting the confirmation. Parliament resumed deliberations on Thursday morning with a focus on Luhanga’s confirmation.
CDEDI, Lost History Foundation Petition Parliament for Use of Local Languages
The Center for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) and the Lost History Foundation have this morning petitioned Parliament to start conducting its deliberations in local languages, particularly Chichewa. Led by CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa, the group was received at the Parliament gates in Lilongwe by Zomba City North legislator, Bester Awali, who pledged to deliver the petition to the Speaker’s office.
Judiciary Records 57% Disposal Rate in Electoral Cases
The Judiciary says the High Court has disposed of 54 out of 94 electoral cases it has received since February — representing a 57 percent completion rate — while the Supreme Court of Appeal has achieved a 100 percent disposal rate. According to the Judiciary’s latest figures, the cases were recorded at the Blantyre Principal Registry, Lilongwe, Mzuzu, and Zomba registries, with Lilongwe handling the highest number at 48.
Norway Commits to Support Malawi's Key Sectors
The Norwegian government has expressed commitment to continue supporting Malawi's key sectors focused on measurable results. Ambassador for the Kingdom of Norway to Malawi, Anne Sofie Bjelland says her government targets areas of agriculture, health and social protection as key priorities in Malawi.
Activists Decry Malawi’s Slow Implementation of UN Human Rights Recommendations
Human rights activists have expressed concern over Malawi’s continued failure to fully implement recommendations made under the United Nations’ Universal Periodic Review (UPR), saying the lapse is undermining the protection of marginalized groups and key populations. Executive Director for Community Healthy Rights Advocacy, Aniz Mitha, said that while some progress has been made in promoting human rights, certain provisions in the country’s penal code remain problematic and require urgent reform.
2025 Mr. Malawi Tournament Pegged at K25 Million
Organizers for the 2025 Mr Malawi body building competition say this year's budget is at 25 million kwacha. Bodybuilding and Fitness Association of Malawi (BFAM) spokesperson, Mphatso Nkuonera made the revelation in an interview with this publication. "We need this money for prize awards, accommodation of those coming from other corners of the country, advertising among other key expenses.
War Veterans Call for Improved Welfare
The Veterans and Ex-Service League of Malawi (VELOM) has called for increased support towards the country’s veteran soldiers, saying many of them continue to struggle to access basic welfare services. The organization says the remaining veterans who took part in the First and Second World Wars are residing at Kobe Barracks in Zomba and are in dire need of assistance due to old age and family responsibilities.
Experts Confident in Mutharika's Lean Cabinet
Economic, political, and governance experts have expressed confidence in the newly appointed cabinet, saying most of the appointees have the capacity to deliver. Economist Christopher Mbukwa has hailed President Peter Mutharika’s decision to appoint a lean cabinet of 24 members, describing it as a significant step toward fiscal consolidation and prudent management of government resources.
Maize Under Siege: Fall Armyworms and Climate Shocks Threaten Malawi’s Food Security
Farmers across Malawi continue to face mounting challenges due to climate change — drought in one season and floods in the next — as shifting weather patterns tighten their grip on the country’s fragile agricultural systems. The growing spread of crop pests and diseases is worsening this crisis, many of which thrive under these erratic conditions. Chief among them is the Fall Armyworm, a fast-spreading pest notorious for its devastating appetite and ability to ravage maize fields stalk by stalk.
Sheriffs Evacuate Seven Families and Landlord in Kauma
At least seven tenant families and their landlord have been left stranded in Kauma, Area 12 in Lilongwe, after Sheriffs allegedly evicted them from their homes over a land dispute involving the landlord and his ex-wife. One of the tenants, Martin Chinyama, told us that the Sheriffs allegedly arrived at the compound around midnight, forcing all occupants out, including the landlord himself. “They came without warning and ordered everyone out.
ICTAM Calls for Efforts to Boost Digital Adoption
The ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM) has urged for intensified efforts to boost digital adoption across the country, particularly among rural communities, to enhance participation in the digital economy. ICTAM General Manager, Andrew Kamwendo, says expanding affordable internet access is key to achieving this goal, emphasizing the need for investment in fiber networks, communication towers, and community Wi-Fi initiatives to bridge the digital divide.
UNDP Urges Investment in Peace-Building Institutions
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has emphasized the need for Malawi to invest in institutions that promote peace and unity to sustain the country’s long-standing stability. UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Dr. Chika Charles Aniekwe, said such investments would strengthen the capacity to identify and report early signs of tension before they escalate.
Kambala Resigns as UTM Presidential Advisor
Presidential advisor for the UTM party, Newton Kambala has announced his resignation from the position effective today. Kambala says the decision has been arrived at after observing that the Presidential advisory council which he was a member of, has not been effective in advising the party’s President, Dalitso Kabambe, on strategic decisions prior to the general elections.
Immigration Reshuffle: Efficiency or Political Strategy?
The Immigration Department has implemented a series of transfers affecting both senior and junior officers across the country. The reshuffle covers staff at various immigration offices, including airports, border posts, and the department’s headquarters. Department spokesperson Pasqually Zulu confirmed the development to Zodiak saying that the exercise is intended to enhance service delivery, noting that officers are no longer allowed to overstay at a single duty station.
Malawi, Zambia Presidents in Talks Over 200,000-Tonne Maize Deal
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has revealed that Malawi’s President Peter Mutharika has expressed interest in procuring 200,000 metric tonnes of maize from Zambia to mitigate looming food shortages in Malawi. This follows revelations that over 4 million Malawians are at risk of hunger during the 2025/26 lean season.
Gender Activists Hail Appointment of Two Women as Chief Whips at Parliament
Gender rights activists have hailed the appointment of two women, Patricia Wiskes and Martha Ngwira, as Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip in Parliament by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The appointments have excited, gender rights activists in the country, who say this signifes progress in ensuring women are in the lead.
APM Calls for Unity in Seychelles During and After Polls
President Peter Mutharika has called on political leaders in Seychelles and their supporters to exercise restraint, remain calm, and respect the will of the people as the country conducts its second round of elections to elect a president starting today.
Africa Loses 70 percent of Donor Support to Health Sector Since 2021
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has reported that since 2021, foreign assistance on African health has dropped by nearly 70 percent, a development threatening progress registered in combating non-communicable and communicable diseases on the continent.
NACA Worried With Some Partial Cabinet Appointment
On Sunday, President Arthur Peter Mutharika named his partial cabinet and government official appointments as he assumes leadership of the country as Malawi's seventh president. President Mutharika has appointed Enock Chihana as his second vice president, Joseph Mwanamveka as the new minister of finance, economic planning and development and Alfred Gangata as his minister of state.
Organization Differ on Amnesty Calls for Corruption Suspects
The National Anti-Corruption Alliance and the Political Science Association have given contrasting views on calls for President Peter Mutharika to give a 30-day amnesty to people suspected of looting government resources in the past five years. The alliance Chairperson, Michael Kaiyatsa says provision of amnesty to suspects of corruption is against laws that call for accountability and transparency, as enshrined in the country’s constitution.
Security Exodus at State Residences
The Malawi Police Service has effected transfers for security officers in all state residences. National Police Spokesperson Peter Kalaya confirmed the transfers but was quick to note that the transfers are internal management decisions that he cannot comment on. A memo from the Malawi Police Service indicates that the transfers have affected the Zomba, Mtunthama, Mzuzu, and Chikoko-Bay state lodges, Kamuzu and Sanjika Palace, and others.
Youth Advocates Call for Calm After Elections
The Youth Decide Campaign has challenged the country's youths to remain calm, peaceful and accept the results of the just-ended elections with maturity and dignity, arguing democracy has won. Coordinator for the campaign, which constists of 48 youth-centered organizations, Mwandida Theu says young people need to demand accountability from the new government as the struggle for a better Malawi continues.
Judiciary Records 52 Electoral Related Cases Since February
The Judiciary has disclosed that it has registered 50 electoral cases at the high court and two cases at the Supreme Court of Appeal during the elections period. In its latest figures the judiciary has indicated that 41 of the cases at the High Court have already been disposed of representing 82 percent while all cases at the Supreme Court have also been completed representing 100 percent.
UDF NEC Members Congratulate APM for Leading Election Results
Some members of the National Executive Committee for the United Democratic Front (UDF) have congratulated DPP President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika for taking a early lead in the country's general elections. Speaking on Tuesday at a press briefing in a Lilongwe, the party's acting spokesperson, Alabana Chilungo says the party will concede any result that will be announced by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).
Court Dismisses MCP's Kazombo Judicial Review Application over Kasungu East Elections
The High Court, Civil Division, has dismissed an application by Malawi Congress Party (MCP) member Madalitso Kazombo, who sought leave to commence judicial review proceedings against the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) in relation to the just-conducted elections in the Kasungu East constituency. In her ruling, Justice Violet Palikena-Chipao said she had noted several irregularities in the application, including typographical errors and wrong citations, among others.
FUM Urges Farmers to Get Ready for 2025/26 Farming Season
Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM) has called on farmers to start preparing for the 2025/26 farming season now so as to plant at the right time and right seeds. FUM Chief Executive Officer, Jacob Nyirongo says the farmers should exercise caution with the variety of crops to use in the coming season and reminded them to follow the advisory and forecast from the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services.
Presidential Candidate Phunziro Mvula Concedes Defeat
Independent Presidential candidate Phunziro Mvula has become the first to concede defeat before the elections results are announced. Mvula has told Zodiak that the decision has been arrived at after analysing the number of votes he has accumulated this far, promising to come back stronger in 2030.
ICTAM Deploys IT Specialists Amid Network Challenges in Elections
The ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM) says it has deployed its technical experts in strategic areas across the country who are observing and compiling all technical issues affecting the current elections. This comes as Malawians await for the results of Tuesday’s general elections, network glitches have become an issue in most parts of the country, affecting online transmission of results to district and constituency tally centers.
Child Poverty Levels Irks Experts
Economic and Child rights activists are suggesting the promotion of inclusive economic activities among Malawians so as to end prevailing child poverty in the country. The call follows World Bank’s revelations that Sub-Saharan Africa including Malawi remains the epicenter of extreme child poverty, with over 52 percent of children living on less than $3.00 per day as of 2024.
Ministry Warns Against Fake, Fraudulent Overseas Job Opportunities
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a warning to Malawians over the existence of fake and fraudulent overseas job opportunities. In a statement, signed by its spokesperson, Charles Nkhalamba the ministry says it has noted with concern the increase in number of Malawians who have fallen victim to scams that promise job opportunities but lure them into labor, sexual and other forms of exploitation.
Two Arrested for Attempted Sugar Externalisation
Police in Chitipa have arrested two people after being found with 200 bales of Sugar which they are suspected that they were diverting to Zambia using a lorry vehicle. Minister of Trade, Vitumbiko Mumba says the driver and his assistant of the vehicle claimed to have collected the Sugar from an undisclosed distributor in Chitipa district.
ESCOM Losing K3 billion annually to Vandalism
The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) has disclosed that it is losing K3 billion every year due to vandalism of its infrastructure. This follows the conviction of 27-year-old Kashoni Kasitomu, who has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for vandalizing ESCOM infrastructure near Kapinga Trading Center in Lilongwe. Kaitomu was also given a three-year custodial sentence for theft, but the sentence will run concurrently.
High Expectations on President's National Address
As President Lazarus Chakwera is expected to address the nation on Monday, political and human rights activists say they expect the president to tackle issues of fertilizer subsidy, forex availability, hunger, and peaceful elections. Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) Chairperson Gift Trapense says the president needs to come out clear on how the government is preparing for the fertilizer subsidy program, dealing with hunger, and improving the economy.
Malawi NGO's Pen US President on Travel Restrictions
The Youth and Society and the National Advocacy Platform have penned President of the United States of America Donald Trump, calling for a reconsideration over the recent restrictions on Malawian travelers to the U.S. imposed by his government. This comes after the US government announced that effective 20 August 2025, Malawian citizens applying for a B1/B2 visa will now be required to post a bond of up to USD 15,000.
MHRC Engages Ministries of Justice And Information on ATI Amendment
The Malawi Human Rights Commission says it is engaging the Ministries of Justice and Information and Digitalisation to amend the Access to Information Act (ATI) to strengthen enforcement of the law. Director of Political and Civil Rights, Peter Chisi, says the commission has noted an existing gap in the powers of the commission to sanction information holders not complying with the law that has been operational for close to five years.
Study Shows Lack of Coordination Between ORPP, MEC
A study by the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) and Chisankho Watch on Party and Campaign Financing in Malawi has identified unclear laws and roles between the Office of Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) and the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) as major factors affecting the implementation of the Polifical Parties Act of 2018.
Diabetes; Malawi's Silent Killer
Diabetes in Malawi has become a silent killer as latest statistics by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has revealed that 540.1 in every 1000 adults between the ages of 20 to 79 years in Malawi are diabetic. The disease killed at least 2,960 individuals in 2024, according to the latest figures by the IDF. The report indicates that Malawi spends at least $141.1 on every person with diabetes, with Africa ranked the lowest in diabetes-related expenditure.
Data Must Fall Campaigners for Further Reduction in Data Price
Data Must Fall campaigners say they are still waiting for a further reduction in data prices in the country to match the current economic situation. Coordinator for Digital Inclusion Campaign Project, Venetia Kamulete argues that Malawians continue to face challenges to purchase internet data due to the impact of economic instability.
Malawi Earns K4B in Three Week-Cotton Sales
The country has sold over 3000 metric tons of cotton since the opening of the cotton market over three weeks ago, raking in K4 billion in the process. Cotton Council of Malawi spokesperson Prisca Jamali is upbeat for more sales as the market will close in September. Jamali however laments continued holding of cotton due to changes in the cotton market. "Farmers are not very conversant with the newly structured market, which has resulted in their resistance to bring the white gold to the market.
Industrial Court Stops HR Management Officers Promotion
The Industrial Relations Court in Lilongwe has issued an injunction stopping the Department of Human Resource Management and Development from proceeding with interviews for the posts of assistant human resource management officers, grade K. This comes as a group of 144 civil servants led by Aggrey Luwe expressed dissatisfaction with a plan by the department to include workers who have served a minimum of four years in the promotion interviews.
Rights Activists Rate Malawi Poorly in Upholding Human Rights
Vice Chairperson for the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), Michael Kaiyatsa says citizens’ freedom of expression has not been respected, as seen on the attacks on peaceful demonstrators and journalists, among other issues. Kaiyatsa says it has been a challenging period for Malawians whose freedom of expression has degraded, as others were continuously attacked and arrested. He has then called on stakeholders to safeguard the rights of Malawians as guided by the country’ constitution.
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