Senior Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) official Mike Chitenje has issued a strong warning to the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), urging the civic group to refrain from organizing fresh demonstrations against the current administration. Speaking at a political rally in Nchalo, Chikwawa, on Saturday, Chitenje accused HRDC of selectively applying pressure on governments and questioned the coalition’s credibility. He argued that during the five-year rule of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) under former President Lazarus Chakwera, HRDC did not organize a single protest despite what he described as “widespread suffering and poor governance.” “For five years, not one day did HRDC mobilize Malawians to protest against the MCP leadership. But today they want to return to the streets as if the challenges started now,” Chitenje told party supporters. Chitenje claimed that HRDC’s renewed activism is politically motivated and warned that the DPP will not tolerate what he described as “destabilizing activities” aimed at undermining the current administration. His remarks come amid growing public frustration over economic challenges, rising living costs, and governance concerns—issues that HRDC has recently cited as justification for resuming nationwide demonstrations. HRDC is yet to formally respond to Chitenje’s remarks, but the organization has previously defended its activism as nonpartisan, stating that its mandate is to hold any government accountable regardless of political affiliation.

Second Vice President Enock Kanzingeni Chihana has assured communities in the Shire Valley that President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s administration will complete all development projects that were suspended under the previous government. Chihana made the remarks at Nchalo Ground in Chikwawa District during a “Thank You” rally organized by the Blue Alliance to acknowledge public support for the current leadership. He announced that President Mutharika has long-term plans to construct a modern referral hospital in the region, describing the proposed facility as “a lifeline and a symbol of preparedness in a nation that cares.” Chihana also highlighted the government’s intention to establish a university in the Shire Valley to expand access to higher education, promote research and innovation, and support broader national economic development. He noted that the institution would play a pivotal role in producing skilled professionals in agriculture, science, and technology. Expressing gratitude for his appointment, Chihana thanked President Mutharika for entrusting him with the office of the Second Vice President. “I would like to thank Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika for trusting me to serve this country in the office of the Second Vice Presidency. On behalf of AFORD, we will forever be grateful to him and to the DPP family. I am also announcing that the Blue Alliance will go beyond 2030,” he said. Chihana further assured citizens that no Malawian would be allowed to die of hunger, revealing that maize supplies from Zambia have already been secured for vulnerable families. Earlier, DPP Vice President Joseph Mathyola Mwanamveka told the gathering that government has procured fertiliser for the ongoing Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP). He urged farmers not to sell the subsidized fertiliser and encouraged them to work diligently in their fields. Mwanamveka also announced that funding has been allocated to support youth and women seeking capital to start small businesses. Additionally, he confirmed that the free secondary school education programme will be rolled out on 1 January 2026. The rally was attended by several senior officials from the Blue Alliance, including DPP Southern Region President and Minister of Finance Joseph Mwanamveka, Regional Governor Charles Mchacha, DPP Women’s Director Mary Navitcha, AFORD Secretary General Linda Limbe, AFORD Publicity Secretary Annie Maluwa, Paramount Chief Lundu, as well as Members of Parliament and councillors. for Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) Linda Limbe, Publicity Secretary, Annie Maluwa, Paramount Chief Lundu, several MPs and councillors among others.

The 2025 general elections delivered a stunning political upset in Malawi, ending the Malawi Congress Party’s (MCP) five-year rule under President Lazarus Chakwera. As analysts continue to unpack what went wrong, party insiders and political observers point to deep internal fractures, strategic missteps, and growing discontent within MCP’s traditional base. While external factors—such as economic hardships and voter fatigue—played a role, many argue that MCP’s decisive loss was largely self-inflicted. A major source of frustration came from long-standing MCP loyalists who felt sidelined throughout Chakwera’s presidency. According to party officials interviewed after the election, many veteran members believed the leadership abandoned them in favour of newcomers and individuals with limited history in the party. This perceived marginalization weakened grassroots mobilization—MCP’s biggest traditional strength. “We could not mobilize with the same energy,” said one district chairperson. “People felt forgotten.” Several constituencies reported unusually low campaign activity from MCP structures, with some members choosing not to canvass at all. Another major criticism stems from President Chakwera’s alleged preference for appointing individuals from his religious circles, particularly fellow clergy within the Assemblies of God. This created an internal narrative that appointments were based on personal associations rather than merit or loyalty to the party. The move was widely interpreted within the party as an abandonment of MCP’s historical identity and networks. Political analysts argue that this shift fractured the party’s unity and weakened coherence ahead of the election. Throughout his term, Chakwera and those close to him faced recurring allegations from critics that the presidency was increasingly self-serving. Although no formal charges were brought, the public perception that the President and some of his family members benefitted from state-associated opportunities lingered throughout the campaign period. For an electorate already grappling with economic challenges and frustrated by rising living costs, perceptions of self-enrichment among top leadership further eroded MCP’s credibility. “It became a political liability,” notes governance commentator Victor Mbewe. “People felt the government was more focused on personal gain than national progress.” A notable complaint from MCP insiders was that the President increasingly dismissed concerns or requests for dialogue from party structures. Multiple constituency leaders reported that members who tried to raise issues—whether about development, appointments, or campaign support—felt ignored or, in some cases, accused of pushing personal agendas. This alleged breakdown in communication created a sense of alienation within the rank-and-file, resulting in weakened motivation during the campaign season. The 2025 elections did not turn on a single issue but rather a combination of internal fractures and public disillusionment. Chakwera’s failure to maintain cohesion within his party, combined with governance and economic frustrations, created a political environment ripe for electoral defeat. Analysts say MCP’s path to political recovery now depends on: Rebuilding internal unity Re-engaging long-time members Addressing leadership trust issues Recreating a clear ideological and organizational identity. Whether the party learns from these lessons will determine its relevance heading into the next election cycle.

The Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Hon. Shadreck Namalomba, who is also the Member of Parliament for Mangochi South West, has expressed gratitude to Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leaders in his constituency for their unwavering support during the recent elections. Speaking during a “thank you” meeting with party governors and governesses held in Mangochi South West, Hon. Namalomba commended the grassroots leaders for their dedication, trust, and commitment to the DPP and its presidential candidate. “I want to thank you for the tremendous support, love, and trust that you have shown me and our beloved President in the just-concluded elections,” Namalomba said. In his remarks, the Minister also expressed profound appreciation to His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi, for appointing him as Minister of Information and Communications Technology. He described the appointment as a recognition not only of his personal service but also of the people of Mangochi South West, Mangochi District, and the Eastern Region. “This position is not for me alone—it is for the people of Mangochi South West and the entire Eastern Region. I am deeply indebted to the President for this trust,” he said. Namalomba’s meeting marks the beginning of a series of post-election engagements with local party structures aimed at strengthening unity and coordination within the constituency. He announced that he will soon meet area governors and governesses before embarking on a series of constituency rallies. Concluding his address, Hon. Namalomba urged the party faithful to maintain loyalty to the DPP and its leadership, emphasizing that unity and discipline remain key to continued development and political stability. He was accompanied by the party’s District Governor, Mr. Salire Mdala, who also encouraged members to remain steadfast behind the leadership of Professor Mutharika.

His Excellency President Peter Mutharika has declared that from January 2026, secondary school education will be free in all public secondary schools in Malawi. The Malawi leader said this on Sunday, 19 October 2025 at Mulhako Wa Alhomwe headquarters at Chonde in Mulanje during this year’s cultural festival where he was the guest of honour. The president is also the patron of this cultural grouping whose aim is to preserve and promote Lhomwe culture. The news was greeted with great excitement as school fees has been a barrier to some students with a dream to pursue secondary education especially those from ultra poor families. On hunger situation, the president assured Malawians that government has bought over 200,000 metric tones of maize from neighboring Zambia and that it will start arriving soon. Mutharika expressed surprise by the reaction of some farmers and traders who wanted the government to buy maize locally. He said he is perturbed by such accusations because the situation became dire when maize scarcity was reported in many parts of the country not knowing that some farmers and traders are hoarding maize. Nearly half the population of the country is facing hunger and experts fault the previous regime for failure to purchase maize in time.

The Catholic University of Malawi on Friday September 26, 2025 saw the remarkable and record passing out of over 1,500 graduands who have successfully completed their programmes in various fields of studies at the institution. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Chancellor of the Catholic University of Malawi Bishop Martin Mtumbuka said the university takes pride in offering skills to students so as to make them employable and also to help them look after themselves through entrepreneurship should they become unsuccessful on the job market due to limited opportunities. Bishop Mtumbuka encouraged universities in the country to occasionally, conduct research which is crucial in determining the kind of skills required by prospective employers. The Chancellor warned both the staff and students that the institution’s policy remains unchanged on individuals who lack discipline, saying they will be fired or weeded out. On his part, Old Mutual Malawi Group Chief Executive Officer Taxona Biza who was the guest of honour, said the world keeps evolving therefore, this calls for a reason not to keep doing things as usual. He advised the graduands not to wait to be employed but to start something so that in future, they employ others. The Catholic University of Malawi was established in 2004 but opened its doors in 2006 and its first congregation was in 2010 with less than 100 students.

Police in Mulanje have arrested 8 male students of Mulanje Secondary school who are seating for this year’s Malawi School Certificate of Education examinations for bullying form one students and Vandalising school property It was all started on Sunday 13 July, 2025 when form one students reported their ill treatment to the head teacher. According to one victim who opted for anonymity, some form 4 students on Sunday entered form one students’ hostels and took some of them into the nearby bush and started beating them and demanding cash. One traumatized victim who spoke to Khulubvi Post narrated harrowing experiences he suffered as he was carrying his bags on his head heading home The situation went out of control some form 4 students started vandalising property, stealing mattresses and blankets, physically assaulting the form ones in solidarity with their colleagues who were identified as ring leaders and were taken by police for questioning Violence continued to Monday afternoon when police fired teargas leading to form one students leaving school campus looking for safety The suspects will potentially face theft and vandalism charges after exams, according to Mulanje police station Public Relations Officer sergeant Innocent Moses

Japanese Ambassador to Malawi, Yoichi Oya, underscored the vital role of higher education in addressing Malawi’s pressing socio-economic issues during his visit to Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) on Wednesday. The visit formed part of the Ambassador’s wider tour of Malawian universities aimed at gaining insight into their operations and exploring potential partnerships with Japanese institutions. “Since I was posted in this country, I have been visiting some leading universities to find out some spaces of engagement with the Japanese universities. I will take all the information back to my office to see how we can continue working together,” Oya stated. Dr. John Phuka, KUHeS Executive Dean, School of Global and Public Health, said KUHeS through his school can leverage Japanese knowledge and experience in managing the impacts of natural disasters and public health emergencies. “As you are aware that the country is facing significant challenges in terms of cyclones and other public health emergencies of different kinds including epidemics,” he said. Dr. Phuka also appealed to the Ambassador for resource support to address the increasing demand for healthcare human resources in Malawi. Prior to the discussions, Ambassador Oya was given a tour of the KUHeS campus, where he observed the infrastructure development and gained insight into the university’s service provision.