Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has outlined a series of measures to address the country’s worsening fuel crisis and food insecurity while denouncing a rise in political violence. The announcements come as the southern African nation grapples with a series of economic and social challenges.
In a televised address on Wednesday, Chakwera emphasized the urgent need to prioritize food security following a devastating drought that has left 5.7 million people at risk of hunger. Earlier this year, Malawi declared a state of disaster in 23 of its 28 districts after crops failed, exacerbating the crisis.
The president highlighted fiscal challenges, revealing plans to introduce austerity measures to manage the country’s debt burden. “We need to cut spending to address our debt situation,” he said.
While acknowledging the international community’s support in mitigating the food crisis, Chakwera noted that more aid was urgently required. “We still have 1.2 million affected people waiting for their turn to receive support,” he said, urging donors to step in.
Fuel Crisis Intensifies
The president also addressed a protracted fuel shortage that has crippled transportation and driven up the cost of essential goods in a country where 70% of the population lives in extreme poverty. The crisis, caused by a lack of foreign exchange, has sparked public anger and protests.
“It is time for us to take a different approach,” Chakwera said, announcing plans to procure fuel through government-to-government arrangements. He added that he had accepted an invitation from the President of the United Arab Emirates to discuss securing long-term fuel supplies.
Political Violence Under Scrutiny
Tensions escalated earlier this week during a protest in Lilongwe, where demonstrators called for the resignation of the energy minister over the fuel crisis. The rally was violently disrupted by masked men armed with machetes and clubs, prompting police to use tear gas to restore order.
Chakwera condemned the incidents, calling for accountability. “These acts of political violence, including the intimidation of demonstrators, are unacceptable and will take our country nowhere,” he said, urging the Malawi Police Service to investigate and prosecute those responsible.
Electoral Participation and Concerns
Chakwera also used his address to encourage Malawians to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise ahead of the September 2025 elections. Opposition parties have raised concerns over a proposed electronic voting system, fearing it could be manipulated to favor the ruling Malawi Congress Party.
“Voting in our elections is your constitutional right,” the president affirmed. “You should never surrender your constitutional rights for any reason.”
Elected in 2020, the 69-year-old president is facing mounting pressure to address the country’s overlapping crises and restore public confidence in his administration.
