By Durell Namasani
Political and governance commentator Humphreys Mvula has described President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s latest address as calm, reassuring and focused on unity, but says the President failed to match his words with action.
Mvula said Mutharika was composed and urged Malawians to work together and avoid anger. However, he questioned whether the President tells his own party the same thing, pointing to rough language from DPP cadets and exclusion of others.
Mvula said Malawi has capable citizens, including diaspora experts in Canada, Japan, the IMF and World Bank, who could help rebuild the country regardless of party. But he accused Mutharika of trusting only DPP loyalists and promoting mediocrity instead of national talent. He said the President’s words and deeds do not match.
He was disappointed corruption was ignored, saying it drains resources and is worsened by government pardons and refunds in corruption cases. On fuel and forex, he said blaming Ukraine or Iran is wrong; Malawi needs strategy, better procurement and gradual correction of past mistakes.
On the economy, Mvula said stabilization has occurred but real growth has not. He questioned claims of strong growth, saying conditions under MCP and now are similar. He criticized unfulfilled promises, including CDF, price reductions, two bags of fertilizer and free education.
He also faulted Mutharika for not addressing his Vice President or proposing collaboration with former presidents Bakili Muluzi, Lazarus Chakwera and Joyce Banda. He called for inclusive dialogue and media openness, warning against hero worship.
Mvula described the address as a mixed bag. He said Mutharika remains in good voice and spirit, but avoided key problems. He said promises must be delivered, and where problems exist, government should admit them and correct course. He added the President should engage all Malawians to prove there is no absentee leadership.
