By Rahim Abdul
United Democratic Front (UDF) President Atupele Muluzi says Malawi can draw important lessons from Ukraine’s resilience in the face of war and national crisis.
Muluzi made the remarks in a statement posted on his official Facebook page following his visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, with colleagues from the Platform for African Democrats (PAD).
He said the delegation travelled to Ukraine to gain a deeper understanding of the war, its consequences and its wider implications for Africa.
Muluzi said the delegation experienced the realities faced by Ukrainians, including air-raid sirens, missile and drone attacks, as well as the determination of ordinary citizens to keep their country functioning.
He described Ukraine’s response to the crisis as a demonstration of resilience, innovation and national solidarity.
Muluzi said discussions with the Odesa Port Authority also highlighted the potential impact of the war on global food security.
According to him, Ukraine’s role in supplying grain and other commodities means the conflict has consequences beyond Europe, including through food prices, energy costs, supply chains and economic pressures in Africa.
He said Africa cannot consider itself immune from the effects of the war and called for an unconditional ceasefire and a peaceful resolution that respects international law.
Turning to Malawi, Muluzi said the experience had made him reflect on how nations respond when faced with an existential crisis.
He said Ukrainians had shown that countries can come together, innovate and find solutions even under extremely difficult circumstances.
Muluzi said Malawi is also facing a serious economic and institutional crisis, with citizens experiencing rising costs, foreign exchange shortages and other economic difficulties.
He questioned whether Malawians have the collective determination to confront the country’s challenges, challenge entrenched interests and develop solutions to national problems.
He said the UDF’s proposed Third Liberation should focus on addressing economic stagnation, institutional capture and what he described as a rentier system that benefits a few at the expense of the majority.
Muluzi said Ukraine had reminded him that resilience is not merely about enduring hardship, but also about turning crises into opportunities for innovation and building a better future.
He concluded by challenging Malawians to take collective responsibility for the country’s future, saying the key question should not be who will save Malawi, but whether Malawians will come together to save their country.
He said the time for Malawi’s Third Liberation is now.
