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Articles by Owen Khamula
Malawi: Chaponda Stayed Put As Malawi Skips UN Walkout On Netanyahu
Malawi's delegation to the United Nations General Assembly, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr George Chaponda, stayed in the chamber for the duration of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address, even as delegations from a number of other countries walked out in protest. Netanyahu faced a starkly divided hall as he took to the podium, with large sections of the chamber emptying out shortly after he began speaking.
Malawi Govt Conducts Refugees Database Audit As Relocation Exercise Continues
Government says it is to conduct a thorough database audit for refugees at the overcrowded Dzaleka camp in Dowa to determine the exact number of refugees and asylum seekers living there. This comes as the UN and other rights activists are blaming the government for relocating more refugees and asylum seekers to the already overcrowded camp.
Africa: Malawi to Benefit From K906bn Saudi Govt Development Fund for Africa
President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera is among African leaders whose countries will get a K906 million cheque from the Saudi government for various development projects, a Saudi official announced on Thursday.
Malawi: Chakwera Off to Saudi Arabia for Summit, to Get K22bn for Makanjira Road
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on Wednesday left the country for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where he is expected to attend the first Saudi Arabia-Africa Summit, with a promise to bring home K22.4 billion for the construction of Makanjira-Mangochi road. After the Saudi-Africa summit, President Dr Chakwera will proceed to Cairo, Egypt to attend the Third intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2023).
Malawi: Mutharika Cancels Rally Amid Health Concerns
Main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Professor Peter Mutharika has cancelled his political rally that was scheduled for this Sunday at Masintha Ground in Lilongwe amid concerns of I'll health. He spotted leaving the country last week through Chileka Airport in Blantyre accompanied by his wife, former First Lady Gertrude Mutharika.
Malawi: Legislator Chastises Opposition, Says DPP Is Sleeping On the Job
An opposition legislator in Mangochi has surprised his own Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for sleeping on the job, saying the party is failing to perform its core job of keeping checks and balances on government. Mangochi north MP Benedict Chambo, who was sponsored into the 193-strong House by the DPP, said the main opposition party in the country is busy with power struggle, political infighting, backbiting and obtaining court injunctions instead of performing its job.
Malawi: Chakwera Secures K2.6 Trillion From Afrexim Bank for Mega Farms, Development Projects
President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera arrives home from Ghana with US$2.6 billion (K2.6 trillion) which he has successfully secured from Afrexim Bank to finance construction of mega farms, industrial parks and special economic zones. This follows the signing of memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Government of Malawi and the bank which President Dr Chakwera witnessed on Monday in Accra, Ghana.
Malawi: Chakwera Discusses Mega Farms Funding With Afrexim Bank
President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has extensively discussed with Afrexim Bank on mega farms funding, the Tonse Alliance flagship campaign promise which is expected to create more jobs in the agricultural sector. Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale who attended the meeting, has confirmed that cabinet ministers and other high ranking officials discussed several issues with Afrexim Bank officials in Accra, Ghana.
Malawi: Chakwera Meets Afrexim Bank Officials Over DPP Administration Toxic Loans
Malawi: Chakwera Meets Afrexim Bank Officials Over DPP Administration Toxic Loans By Owen Khamula President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera on Sunday met Afrexim Bank officials to discuss repayment of the toxic loans the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) led government took which is a stumbling block to the unlocking of IMF's extended credit facility.
Malawi: Ministry Orders Schools in Shire Valley to Start, Knock Off Early Due to Heat Wave
Malawi: Ministry Orders Schools in Shire Valley to Start, Knock Off Early Due to Heat Wave By Owen Khamula Officials from the Ministry of Education have ordered an alteration to school timetables for schools in Shire Valley districts to start and knockoff early in the wake of the heatwave being experienced in the area.
Malawi: High Court Removes Shadreck Namalomba As Parliamentary PAC Chair
Malawi: High Court Removes Shadreck Namalomba As Parliamentary PAC Chair By Owen Khamula The High Court Judge has reinstated Mark Botomani as Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairperson, effectively removing the incumbent Shadreck Namalomba. In August this year, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator, Shadreck Namalomba, obtained an injunction against his removal as chairperson and PAC member.
Malawi: Chakwera Orders Attorney General to Recover K750m for Aip Paid Dubiously to a Dubious Firm
President Dr Lazarus Chakwera says he has directed Attorney General Thabo Chakaka-Nyirenda to recover K750 million which ministry of Agriculture paid dubiously to a dubious firm in the United Kingdom for the purchase of Agriculture Input Program fertilizer. President Chakwera said this on Tuesday evening when he addressed the nation on the mismanagement of the AIP program.
Malawi: Former Minister Henry Mussa, Former Director of Information Munthari Convicted of Computers Theft
A court in Lilongwe has convicted former Minister of Information Henry Mussa and former director of Information Gideon Munthari for stealing computers and a generator meant for the Ministry of Information worth K10.1 million. High Court Judge Patrick Chirwa, sitting as Lilongwe chief resident magistrate, found the two guilty of conspiring to commit a felony. Chirwa also found Munthari guilty on the charge of theft by public servant.
Malawi: Chakwera Fires Lowe As Minister of Agriculture
President Lazarus Chakwera has fired Minister of Agriculture Lobin Lowe and his Deputy Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima over mismanagement of this year's Affordable Input Program (AIP). In his address to the nation on Tuesday evening, he said the firing of Lowe and Wirima follows a litany of ill-timed decisions to do with purchase of fertilizer. This also includes a situation in which Malawi has been duped money.
Malawi: Allowancegate - Police Arrest 17 More At Accountant General Office
Malawi: Allowancegate - Police Arrest 17 More At Accountant General Office By Owen Khamula Police in Lilongwe have arrested 17 more staff from the Accountant General's office over alleged allowances scam. Some members of staff from the office were arrested two months ago. Those that have been arrested on Tuesday are Jane Zimba, Mr. Chilimampunga, Nitta Mtuwa Vashi, Catherine Chigowo, Mrs.
Malawi: Catholic Bishops Lashes At Chizuma for Lack of Team Work in the Fight Against Graft
Catholic Bishops have spoken against graft busting body, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) director Martha Chizuma for failing to be a team player in the fight against corruption. In a Pastoral Letter issued on Monday, the Catholic Bishops say Chizuma continues to disregard advice from other crucial offices.
Malawi: Chakwera Seeks Resources for Cancer Treatment Centres in Malawi
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has appealed for financial resources for the construction of cancer treatment centres and hospitals across the country as way of saving lives as well as forex used on cancer patients who seek treatment outside the country. President Chakwera said this on Tuesday when he addressed the 2022 Scientific Forum on the margins of the 66th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Malawi: Chakwera in Washington DC, U.S. to Sign U.S.$350 Million MCC Compact
President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has arrived in Washington DC, US to sign the much awaited US$350 million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact which is to give a facelift to the country's infrastructure development. The US embassy says the US ambassador to Malawi, ambassador Young met President Chakwera in Washington DC on Tuesday to discuss the MCC compact signing and the important progress being made toward reaching an IMF agreement.
Malawi: Court Adjourns FISD Directors Fraud Case to November 14, 2022
A court in Lilongwe has adjourned to November 14, 2022 a fraud case involving four FISD directors. Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate Madalitso Khoswe Chimwaza has adjourned the case which involves Moses Chirambo, Frank Mwenechanya, Kondwani Nanchukwa, Arthur Mpama and an accountant from the Ministry of Agriculture. They are suspected to have received double payment of about K268.7 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for a water project in Ntcheu.
Malawi: Nsanje District Council Rejects DC Removal
A full council meeting in Nsanje has agreed to veto central government decision to remove district commissioner Dr. Medson Matchaya. Ward councillors, traditional leaders and members of parliament who sit on the council meeting have since agreed to write the ministry of Local Government to rescind its decisions of removing Dr Medson Matchaya as the district commissioner. Recently, Media was awash with reports that the Ministry has transferred some DCs including Nsanje DC.
Malawi: Chakwera Gets Rare Praise From Biden Administration On the Fight Against Corruption
President Dr Lazarus Maccathy Chakwera has received rare praise from the Biden administration for his relentless efforts to stem graft in the country. President Dr Chakwera is in the United States for United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said President Dr Chakwera has strengthened the graft busting body, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) so that it is able to fight corruption.
Malawians Welcome Government's U.S.$50m Credit From Arab Bank for Fuel Importation
Malawians have taken up on various social media platforms to applaud the government for successfully securing a US$50 million credit from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (Badea) for fuel purchase and importation, saying this would improve the fuel situation in the country. Malawi has been experiencing sporadic scarcity of fuel due to what National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma) and Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) officials say was due to forex scarcity.
Malawi: Law Commission Recommends People Pay in Public Hospitals
Government is yet to comment on recommendation from Special Law Commission that people should be paying a small nominal fee to access services in public health facilities. The recommendation has been made after the review of the Public Health Act. Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda could not be reached as she is reportedly with President Dr Lazarus Chakwera in New York, US for United Nations General Assembly.
Malawi: DPP Leadership Wrangles Derail Parliament's Public Accounts Committee Business
Parliament's influential and powerful committee, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is failing to meet due to leadership wrangles in the opposition Democractic Progressive Party (DPP), triggering concerns of failure by parliament for checks and balances on government. The Committee has not met for three weeks as two DPP factions have taken each other to court over the committee leadership.
Malawi: Govt Sets Aside K6bn for Admarc Retrenchment Compensation
Admarc board of directors chairperson Alexander Kusamba Dzonzi says government has set aside over K6 billion in compensation to laid-off state run produce company employees. This follows an announcement that Admarc is to retrench over 3,000 workers as part of a restructuring program. According to the authorities, the shake-up is the only way they could revive the institution's operations for the benefit of ordinary farmers.
Malawi: K40 Million Boost to Chakwera Charity Golf Initiative
President Dr Lazarus Chakwera's presidential charity golf tournament has received a boost on Thursday after Nico Holdings made a donation of K40 million. President Chakwera announced the introduction of a presidential charity golf tournament to raise funds for school fees for the underprivileged university learners. Presidential Press Secretary Anthony Kasunda received the K40 million cheque on behalf of the organisers of the tournament.
Malawi: Court Adjourns DPP Factions Battle for Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee Chairmanship Case
Malawi: Court Adjourns DPP Factions Battle for Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee Chairmanship Case By Owen Khamula The High court in Blantyre has adjourned to a later date for ruling in a case the State and Zomba Chisi legislator Mark Botomani want the court to lift an injunction over the chairmanship of parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) which two Democratic Progressive Party factions are fighting for.
Malawi: Chakwera Mourns Queen Elizabeth II
President Dr Lazarus Chakwera and the First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera have led Malawians in mourning Queen Elizabeth II who died on Thursday afternoon at her private residence in Scotland aged 96. President Chakwera has described the Queen as a great monarch. He and the First Lady have sent condolence message to the British Royal Family, people and government of Britain on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Malawi: Court Convicts 2013 Cashgate Criminal
A court in Lilongwe has convicted one of the 2013 cashgate criminals Odoi Kamange on theft and money laundering charges. The Senior Resident Magistrate's Court in Lilongwe handed down the conviction on Friday. Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) principal public relations officer Egrita Ndala says in a statement that while Kamange was working with the Department of Tourism in 2013, he borrowed a business registration certificate from Esnarth Ndovi to use it for a tender submission at the department.
Malawi: Fuel Scarcity Hits Malawi
Fuel continues to be scarce in most pump stations in the country despite the National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma) releasing one million litres on the market last week to stabilize the situation. Suppliers are blamed for the scarcity but Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL) says it is currently importing 85% of its capacity due to foreign exchange challenges.
Malawi: DPP's Francis Mphepo Forges Letter From Party Sg Office
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Administrative Secretary Francis Mphepo is embroiled in an embarrassing forgery scandal following reports that he forged a letter from the office of the party's Secretary General in a bid to secure Bangwe Desert Ground in Blantyre for a political rally.
Malawi: Chakwera Touts Kulamba Ceremony of the Chewa As a Cultural Unifying Factor
President Lazarus Chakwera has touted the Kulamba ceremony of the Chewa as a cultural unifying factor of Malawians, Zambians and Mozambicans. He said this is the reason he takes pride in celebrating different cultures as such celebrations bring unity among people of different cultures. Chakwera was speaking at the Kulamba Ceremony in Mkaika, Zambia, which is a cultural event for the Chewa people of Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique.
Malawi: UTM Cadres Arrested for Breach of Electoral Laws
Malawians are voting in three local government by-elections in the country as police in Chitipa have arrested two people, believed to be UTM cadres, for breach of electoral laws. The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is conducting by-elections in Wenya Ward in Chitipa Wenya, Lupembe Ward in Karonga Central and Shire Ward in Balaka Central East Constituencies.
Malawi: Macra Revokes Licences for Three More Radios, Televisions
Malawi: Macra Revokes Licences for Three More Radios, Televisions By Owen Khamula Electronic media regulators, the Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has revoked content licences for three radios and televisions, bringing to six broadcasters Macra has closed down since last week. Macra says it has revoked licences for Ufulu FM, Ufulu Television and Galaxy FM for a substantial breach of a condition of their licences for failing to pay annual licence fees.
Malawi: Former MEC Commissioner Kunje's Fate August 31
Embattled former Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) commissioner Linda Kunje will know her fate on August 31 which the Zomba Chief Resident Magistrate Court has set aside for her ruling following her conviction last week on obstructing presidential convoy. The Chief Resident Magistrate Court in Zomba convicted Kunje and her former driver Jones Tewesa for criminal reckless and negligence.
Malawi: Admarc Being Fixed-Chakwera
President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has assured Malawians that his administration is fixing the state run commodity trader, Admarc. Chakwera said this on Saturday during a political rally in Salima. Traditional and political leaders asked President Chakwera to intervene, saying Admarc was inefficient and was not working according to its mandate.
Malawi: Nkhata Bay Cholera Death Toll Hits 9
People who have died of cholera in Nkhata Bay area now now nine, up from eight last week as the number of cases hit 320 within two weeks. Twenty new cholera cases were recorded last week, according to authorities. Nkhata-Bay Health and Social Services Director Dr. Mwatikonda Mbendera cites unreliable clean water supply at Tukombo Health Center, the main facility for cases' treatment and shortage of chlorine for community distribution.
Malawi: Court Gives Bail to Mzuzu City Mayor Facing Defilement Charges
Malawi: Court Gives Bail to Mzuzu City Mayor Facing Defilement Charges By Owen Khamula Mzuzu City Mayor Gift Desire Mkandawire has been given court bail following his arrest on August 14, 2022 on defilement charges. Senior Resident Magistrate Felix Kamtsalira granted bail to Nyirenda. Nyirenda was arrested on suspicion that he defiled his niece below the age of 16.
Malawi: Inflation Rate Rises to 24.6 Percent
Malawi: Inflation Rate Rises to 24.6 Percent By Owen Khamula Malawi's headline year on year inflation rate for July soared to 24.6 percent from 23.5 percent in June, triggering fears of continued escalation of cost of living and erosion of salary values in peoples' pockets.
Malawi: Police Arrest Former MEC Commissioner's Driver Over Court Case On Blocking Chakwera's Presidential Convoy
Police on Wednesday arrested former driver to Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) commissioner Linda Kunje after he absconded from a court proceeding. The driver Jones Tewesa along his boss are being accused of blocking President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera's presidential convoy in Zomba. The Chief Resident Magistrate Court in Zomba issued a warrant of arrest for Tewesa for failing to appear before the court on the day the court was expected to make a ruling on the case.
Malawi: UTM Cadres After 44 Vehicles Whistleblower
A whistle blower who tipped graft busting body, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on UTM dubious purchase of 44 vehicles some months ago says he is now living in fear. Gosten Chimseu says UTM cadres are now after him as he is receiving threats following his complaint to the ACB that UTM might have acquired the new vehicles corruptly. This week the ACB announced that it has opened full investigations on the purchase of the vehicles.
Malawi: CSOs Demand Parliament to Withdraw Motion Summoning High Court Judge
Some civil society groups have demanded parliament to withdraw a motion summoning High Court Judge Ken Manda over his ruling on the sale of a filling station in Lilongwe, saying Parliament was overstepping its mandate. Parliament passed a motion last week to summon Justice Manda to appear before Legal affairs committee of Parliament.
Malawi: Govt Says Oil Pipeline Construction On the Cards
Government says plans are still on the cards to construct an oil pipeline from either Beira or Nacala in Mozambique to Blantyre. Ministry of Energy officials say the government is scouting an investor to construct the oil pipeline with a storage facility based on Build Own Operate and Transfer (BOOT) arrangement. Initially, the long overdue project was projected to run from Beira in Mozambique to the border district of Nsanje.
Malawi: Finance Minister Upbeat On IMF Facility
Malawi: Finance Minister Upbeat On IMF Facility By Owen Khamula Finance minister Sosten Gwengwe says he is upbeat Malawi will get the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) saying talks with the IMF are on track. Government hopes the ECF will bring back to life the ailing economy. Gwengwe has expressed optimism that Malawi will get the facility, saying discussions are at advanced stage.
Malawi: Exposed - Top UTM Officials Named in Demo Funding
Top UTM officials have been named in a serious funding scandal towards the spate of violent protests aimed at forcing President Dr Lazarus Chakwera to resign. This follows Vice President Saulos Chilima's call to his boss, President Chakwera to remove presidential immunity from prosecution of crimes.
Malawi: Parliament Suspends Deliberations Over Dubious Sale of Filling Station
Parliament was suspended on Thursday morning to allow the House leadership hold an emergency meeting to discuss a Private Member's motion by Dowa West MP Abel Kayembe who is questioning the selling of Gam Fuels Gas Station at Kanengo in Lilongwe. This is after Members of Parliament expressed interest to probe and get to the bottom of the sale of the Filling Station.
Malawi: Utm Wastes Money On Blantyre Demos As Only a Handful Turn Up
Malawi: Utm Wastes Money On Blantyre Demos As Only a Handful Turn Up By Owen Khamula Saulos Chilima's UTM must be groaning inwardly after the demonstrations they sponsored on Tuesday in Blantyre failed to live up to expectation. Only scores of people turned up for the demonstrations and they were outnumbered by policemen and policewomen to the surprise of the organisers who had planned to mobilize thousands to the streets.
Malawi Government Gives K462m for Tourism Matching Grants
Minister of Tourism Michael Usi has presented matching grants to 18 successful Tourism operators totalling over K400 million. Speaking during the handover ceremony Use said the marching grants are in line with President Dr Lazarus Chakwera agenda on youth and women Empowerment. Usi said these grants will help to address many challenges which tourism operators are facing.
Malawi: Opposition Walk Out of Parliament
Opposition members of Parliament walked out of Parliament on Thursday following disagreements on the issue regarding the alleged abduction of Cdedi executive director Sylvester Namiwa. However, officials from Cdedi say Namiwa has been found at Nathenje, on the outskirts of the Capital Lilongwe, raising speculation that the said abduction might have been staged. He was found clean shaven and had changed his clothes.
Malawi: Martha Chizuma Shoddy Work Exposed
Anti-Corruption Bureau Director General Martha Chizuma's incompetence and self-centredness has has been exposed with the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Dr Steven Kayuni, in a letter to the graft bursting body describing her conduct as an embarrassment and disappointment to other law enforcement agencies in the country.
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