Key facts
- President Peter Mutharika has been abroad since October 6, making his fifth visit to South Africa this year.
- The opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is questioning the management of the country amid shortages of fuel, electricity, and medicines.
- Information Minister Shadric Namalomba stated that a state president is always in charge, regardless of location.
Malawi's opposition has demanded an explanation for President Peter Mutharika's prolonged stay in South Africa, citing the country's struggles with fuel shortages, power cuts, and economic difficulties. The 86-year-old president left Malawi on October 6 for what officials described as a private visit, marking his fifth trip to South Africa this year. The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) stated that Malawians need reassurance that someone is in charge of the country's affairs, especially given the persistent shortages of essential goods and foreign currency. Information Minister Shadric Namalomba, however, denied that Mutharika's absence had created a leadership vacuum, asserting that a president is always in control. He accused the opposition of attempting to exploit problems from their previous administration. Mutharika has delegated the trade minister to attend the Comesa summit in Zimbabwe, and officials have dismissed reports of him seeking medical treatment in India.