The Malawi Government through Department of Agricultural Research Services has banned the importation of maize from Kenya and Tanzania pending risk analysis as the two countries have a devastating disease called Maize Lethal Necrosis.
In a statement 247 Malawi News has in possession, Agricultural Research Services Director Grace Kaudzu says the disease, that has no treatment and causes up to 100 percent yield loss, is under official control.
Grace Kaudzu
“In view of this, its presence in the aforementioned countries necessitated the suspension of any importation of whole grain until appropriate phytosanitary measures are established.
“In the interim, the commodity can only be imported milled, either as flour or grit,” says Kaudzu in a statement.
She says the disease viruses are transmitted by planting maize grain with the virus or through the vectors such as strips which are available in Malawi.
The 2023 Global hunger Index (GHI) in Malawi revealed that the country is facing serious hunger levels.
It ranked Malawi on position 88 out of 125 countries assessed in the index.
And an assessment by Fews Net in September this year showed that the national maize stock in both local and Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMRC) markets had significantly decreased.
Traders were reporting access to less than half of their required stocks.
Then, the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) held only around 56,000 metric tonnes in mid-October, relative to their target of 217,000 metric tonnes.
And the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) estimated need of 164,000 metric tonnes for humanitarian assistance during the lean season.
The Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee’s report indicated that at least 4.4 million people would face hunger until March 2024
The High Court in Lilongwe through Judge Howard Pemba has on Tuesday reserved its ruling to December 26 2023, in the cases in which three Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) National Governing Council (NGC) members Kondwani Nankhumwa, Cecilia Chazama and Grezelda Jeffrey are seeking nullification of the 13 December 2023 National Governing Council (NGC) meeting resolutions and their recent re-assignment to new positions.
In an interview after an hearing which was done in the Justice Pemba’s chamber, both lawyers for the applicants and defendants confirmed the development.
Nankhumwa and Chazama’s lawyer Peter Minjale said the court felt that the three have similar facts and that they are suing the same party therefore it would make more sense to be treated as one .
On the other hand, Charles Mhango who is representing the DPP said the decision brings in fairness and eliminates further misunderstandings upon different determinations by different judges.
He said political disputes should not be taken to court but rather should be settled within the parameters that are set by the constitution of the political party in question.
“No court has been able to resolve any of the cases honourable Nankhumwa brought against his political party. The only resolution that one can get is a temporary relief of injunction and nullification but political disputes persist. That should tell you that political disputes can not be resolved in a court of law,” said Mhango.
DPP leader Peter Mutharika appointed Nankhumwa and Chazama as his advisors replacing them with George Chaponda and Mary Navicha on their initial positions as DPP Vice President for the South and National Director of Women respectively.
He gave Jeffrey a new role as the party’s Vice President for the Center.
The former ruling remains divided even after High Court Judge Simeon Mdeza’s ruling extending the party’s convention period.
In drawing parallels between the biblical Exodus and President Lazarus Chakwera’s leadership in Malawi, one cannot ignore the striking similarities in the narratives of transition from adversity to the promise of prosperity. Chakwera, like Moses, assumed leadership with a promise to guide his people from the challenges of the present to the prosperity of a better future, symbolically referred to as Canaan.
The biblical Exodus, as recounted in the Book of Exodus, narrates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and their journey towards the promised land of Canaan. God, in His covenant with the Israelites, pledged a land flowing with milk and honey—a metaphor for abundance and prosperity. However, the journey was far from smooth, marked by the Israelites’ disobedience and subsequent 40 years of wandering in the desert wilderness.
Despite God’s forgiveness for the people’s constant sinning, they faced consequences for their actions. For instance, God sent poisonous serpents, resulting in the death of many who were bitten.
Similarly, President Chakwera’s ascent to power in 2020 was accompanied by a promise to lead Malawians to their metaphorical Canaan, overcoming the challenges that plagued the nation. Much like Moses, Chakwera inherited a nation in disarray and embarked on laying the foundation for its recovery. The analogy extends to the notion that the path to prosperity requires overcoming obstacles and making difficult decisions.
When Chakwera assumed the presidency following constitutionally sanctioned fresh presidential elections, the world was grappling with the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which significantly hindered economic activities in Malawi. As the country was already navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic, it faced the additional burden of climate change manifesting in the form of cyclones Ana and Gombe. Concurrently, all districts in Malawi experienced an unprecedented cholera outbreak. To compound the hardships, in March of this year, the southern region bore the brunt of the most severe tropical cyclone, Freddy. This catastrophic event resulted in the tragic loss of over 1,000 lives and rendered numerous individuals destitute as they saw their homes and possessions swept away.
In addressing the metaphorical broken bone of the economy, Chakwera has consistently emphasised the necessity of enduring the initial discomfort of repositioning the fractured elements before the healing process can begin. Chakwera’s administration undertook a currency realignment, commonly referred to as devaluation. Similar to the skepticism and resistance encountered by the Israelites during their challenges, this economic decision faced initial doubt and opposition. However, it aimed at making Malawian goods and services competitive on the international market, a crucial step toward economic recovery.
The subsequent approval of an Extended Credit Facility (ECF) by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the unlocking of financial support from various governments and international institutions, including the World Bank, reflects a positive turn in the economic trajectory. These developments signify potential opportunities for Malawi’s economy to rebound, much like the promised land of Canaan held the prospect of abundance for the Israelites. Nevertheless, just as the Israelites faced trials and tribulations during their journey,
Chakwera’s leadership is not without challenges. The painful decisions made by the government are indicative of the sacrifices required for a nation to transition from a state of economic distress to the promise of prosperity. In both biblical and contemporary contexts, the concept of a journey from adversity to prosperity remains a powerful narrative. President Chakwera’s leadership draws inspiration from this timeless theme, with the hope that, like the Israelites, Malawi will emerge from its metaphorical desert and enter a new era of abundance and prosperity.
As the journey continues, the parallels between the Exodus and Malawi’s trajectory offer reflections on the complexities and potential triumphs inherent in the pursuit of a better future. Under Chakwera’s leadership, Malawians can confidently anticipate progress towards their collective goal of reaching Canaan. The indicators of this positive trajectory are already discernible for everyone to witness.
A high-level delegation from the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs on Tuesday met Malawi president Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
The meeting aimed at fostering deeper collaboration between Malawi and Europe and discussed critical matters encompassing regional security, economic cooperation, and shared developmental initiatives.
The EU stressed resumption of direct budgetary support to Malawi following critical economic reforms which the country has undertaken.
The interface also served as a pivotal platform for diplomatic dialogue, emphasizing the multifaceted bond between Malawi and the European Union.
President Chakwera, in his address, emphasized the enduring commitment of Malawi towards fortifying relations with the European Parliament, citing the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling global challenges and promoting collective prosperity.
Highlighting the delegation’s acknowledgment of Malawi’s steadfastness as a reliable partner, the leader of the delegation of the EU Committee Hon. David McAllister, expressed admiration for the country’s support for the international agenda.
He particularly lauded Malawi’s pivotal role in regional and national security matters, affirming the crucial support rendered during critical junctures.
Acknowledging the EU’s role as one of Malawi’s significant partners, President Chakwera honored the delegation’s visit, attributing the evolving and strengthening relations to shared values.
He commended Europe’s exemplary model of regional integration, considering it a learning opportunity for African nations striving for similar progress.
Expressing gratitude for the EU’s consistent support across diverse sectors, ranging from governance and health to education and disaster relief, President Chakwera specifically highlighted the solidarity extended during challenging times, such as cyclones and other disasters.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of commitment from both sides, signifying a shared determination to continue collaborative endeavors.
Malawi President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera initiative which he launched in March this year has started bearing fruits.
Just on Tuesday, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development officially handed over 45 houses to the families whose property including houses were completely damaged by Cyclone Freddy in March this year.
Minister of Lands Deus Gumba, said the newly-built houses have been constructed with financial support from Dozy M’mobousi through Goodwill Ambassadors for Tropical Cyclone Freddy former Presidents Dr Bakili Muluzi and Dr Joyce Banda.
The Dozy Village in the area of Traditional Authority Phweremwe in Phalombe was named after the main donor. Malawi Red Cross Society monitored the implementation of the project.
Just days after the launch of the campaign, Former President Dr Bakili Muluzi, in his capacity as Goodwill Ambassador for Cyclone Freddy, announced a K500 million Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation who made a deposit for the construction of 75 houses for Tropical Cyclone Freddy survivors in Zomba and Phalombe.
Mmobuosi, a Nigerian author and entrepreneur committed K500 million into the Tigwirane Manja Housing Project which will see 75 houses being constructed in Phalombe and Zomba districts but currently 45 have been handed over for use.
