Malawi’s president has spent 72 days abroad
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Malawi24
Malawian President Arthur Peter Mutharika has spent about 72 days abroad since returning to power, after five private trips to South Africa. Democratic Progressive Party secretary-general Peter Mukhito says the president can govern remotely despite concerns over his absences.
Malawian President Arthur Peter Mutharika has spent about 72 days outside Malawi since returning to power in October 2025, during five private trips to South Africa. His latest absence, which began on 6 October, has lasted nearly three weeks, Malawi24 reports.
Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito, who is also secretary-general of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), defended these stays, saying that Malawi could be governed remotely thanks to modern technologies. In a statement published on Sunday 25 October, he said he had met Mutharika in South Africa on 23 October for more than an hour and described him as “joyful, dynamic and in good health”, rejecting unverified claims that he was unable to perform his duties.
The statement came after Malawi’s opposition asked on 22 October who was running the country during Peter Mutharika’s absence. The president’s repeated stays have raised questions about his health, whereabouts and the effective exercise of his constitutional responsibilities, according to Malawi24.
