Malawi: President Declares Firm Anti-Corruption Stance

The president of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera, has issued a stern warning to those who are engaged in corrupt activities.

During a speech swearing in his new government on Sunday, 30 January, Chakwera shared hard words for the incoming ministers.

The 66-year-old statesman told them: “Do not, under any circumstances or for any personal glory, violate the oath of office and related oath of secrecy you have taken, which are required by law and are designed to protect our national interests for the good of Malawi and its people.”

In an effort to prove his getting tough on malfeasance, he sacked his entire cabinet last week – however, many of those fired were reappointed to different departments last Friday, 28 January.

The reshuffle saw several replacements, including Finance Minister Felix Mlusu replaced with former Trade Minister, Sosten Gwengwe; it also saw Homeland Security Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda being shifted to the Youth Ministry portfolio.

Overall, Chakwera dismissed seven ministers in the reshuffle.

Malawi has been rocked by anti-government protests condemning rising costs and nepotism since November last year; demonstrations increased after bribery allegations regarding land allocation surfaced in December.

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