Malawi opposition asks who is running country during Mutharika's absence
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Nyasa Times
Malawi's opposition is seeking explanations for President Peter Mutharika's prolonged absence abroad on a private trip. The Malawi Congress Party is demanding assurances about the running of the country as fuel and medicine shortages worsen economic difficulties, according to its official Moses Kunkuyu, quoted by Nyasa Times.
The Malawi Congress Party (MCP), the main opposition party, is asking who is actually running the country during the prolonged absence of President Peter Mutharika, who is currently abroad on a private trip. Its campaign director, Moses Kunkuyu, demanded urgent explanations in Lilongwe, according to Nyasa Times.
Moses Kunkuyu said the opposition did not dispute the head of state's right to travel for personal reasons, but criticised the government's lack of communication. He cited long queues outside petrol stations, shortages of essential medicines in hospitals and worsening economic hardship, asking what measures were being taken to address them.
The MCP also criticised Vice-President Jane Ansah, accused of remaining silent in the face of public concerns. Kunkuyu called on her to reassure Malawians about the functioning of the government and whether a strategy existed to resolve the shortages and rising cost of living.
The intervention comes after criticism of Malawi's executive over the need to preserve its unity on 13 September (Malawi's executive), and after MP Victor Musowa's statements defending Peter Mutharika on the same day (Victor Musowa).
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
