Malawi President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has called for urgency in reforming the United Nations and other multilateral institutions.
President Chakwera made the remarks on Thursday at the ongoing 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
In his eight-page address, Chakwera emphasized that efforts to move the world forward are being hindered by a global system of multilateral agencies and financial institutions that are “too slow, too inefficient, too monolithic, and too undemocratic”.
Chakwera at the UN
“The refusal to practice democracy of equal representation at the UN has led to relentless calls for member states to practice democracy in their jurisdictions falling on deaf ears,” Chakwera stated.
He added that the refusal to honor climate financing pledges or link them to debt relief has resulted in alarming debt-to-GDP ratios in developing countries like Malawi.
“If this is not fixed, those who keep us in a state of perpetual debt when they have the resources to cancel those debts should make no mistake: the spreading debt crisis in the developing world is cancer that will make your own economies unsafe,” Chakwera warned. “So the time to fix this is now.”
On democracy within the UN system, Chakwera stressed the need for urgent reforms. He cited Africa’s demand for two permanent seats with veto power in the UN Security Council, which has been backed by US President Joe Biden and China President Xi Jinping.
Chakwera attributed Malawi’s development strides over the past four years to strong international cooperation. He cited examples such as the boom in road construction, rehabilitation of the railway network, and reinstatement of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Credit Facility (CEF) Program.
Malawi leader Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera on Thursday addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York where among other things the president called for the United Nations General Assembly to give Africa a voice to veto important global decisions.
In his address, Chakwera expressed displeasure with the arrangement where such seats have only been offered to Western countries.
The President in this regard demanded real democracy to flourish in the UN family.
Chakwera addressing UN
“But if we are serious about cooperation, then we must act with urgency in fixing and reforming the United Nations and other multilateral institutions, and one fix that we from African demand is for the United Nations to embrace democracy in the Security Council by giving Africa two permanent seats with veto power,” he said.
The President said he was happy to note that some leaders like Joe Biden are in support of the reforms.
“When I first made this call in my inaugural address in this chamber, I was delighted to hear President Biden also announce that the United States is in favour of this reform. Similarly, when I met President Xi Jinping of China three weeks ago, I was delighted to hear that he, too, is in favour of a stronger representation of the interests of developing countries in the Security Council. So, Mr. President, the time to fix this is now,” he said.
Chakwera said there is a need for this abnormality to be fixed need in order to strengthen voice on the issues that matter to African countries.
“In the four years that I have been President, I have declared a state of natural disaster every year because of climate change impacts that we can not solve without multilateral cooperation,” he said.
In a thrilling cricket match against Mali, Malawi’s rising star Suhail stole the show, claiming four crucial wickets to secure the Man of the Match award. The electrifying performance at the Blantyre Sports Club propelled Malawi to a convincing victory, cementing their position in the ICC Africa Cup qualifiers.
Suhail’s mesmerizing spell of 10 overs yielded 4 wickets for just 23 runs, leaving the Mali batting lineup reeling. His victims included the dangerous Amadou Traore, who threatened to unleash chaos with his aggressive batting. Suhail’s clever variations and pinpoint accuracy proved too much for the Mali batsmen, as they struggled to find their footing.
“I focused on maintaining pressure and varying my pace to keep them guessing,” Suhail explained in a post-match interview. “The wickets were a bonus, but the team’s win is what truly matters.”
Malawi’s captain, Moazzam Baig, praised Suhail’s game-changing performance. “Suhail’s spell was the turning point. He bowled with precision and intelligence, and his wickets broke Mali’s momentum.
The Mali team, opting to bat first, found themselves in trouble early on. Suhail struck in his second over, dismissing Traore LBW, and then removed the middle order’s backbone, claiming the wickets of Soumaïla Cissé and Issa Traore.
Malawi’s chase began nervously, but opener Kondwani Phiri’s 32 and middle-order batsman Amadou Jallow’s unbeaten 43 guided the team to a comfortable 5-wicket victory.
This triumph marks Malawi’s third consecutive win in the ICC Africa Cup qualifiers, solidifying their second-place standing in the group. With Suhail’s form and the team’s growing confidence, Malawi’s chances of qualifying for the main event look brighter than ever.
“Suhail’s performance is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication,” said Yusuf Mwale, President of the Malawi Cricket Federation. “We’re proud to have him represent Malawi, and we look forward to more exciting performances.”
As the cricket world takes notice of Suhail’s emergence, fans in Malawi are ecstatic about the team’s prospects.
In a tragic incident late last night, several officials from the University of Malawi were involved in a serious road accident in Dedza. The accident, which occurred around midnight, saw the vehicle they were traveling in overturn three times. The group was returning from Karonga, where they had gone to attend the burial of a student who recently made headlines in the news.
The accident has left four key figures injured, including university officials and the Student Union president. The officials involved in the accident are Mr. Lamba, Mr. Manda, Mr. Dagoulas, and Mr. Thanks Elia, the Student Union president. The injured are currently receiving treatment at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe.
The accident occurred as they were making their way back after paying their respects at the burial of the student, whose untimely death had attracted significant media attention in recent weeks. The mood during the journey was reportedly solemn, given the nature of their mission, but the accident added further tragedy to an already difficult situation for the university community.
It is unclear what caused the vehicle to overturn, but eyewitness reports suggest that poor road conditions and the late hour could have played a role. Authorities in Dedza are investigating the accident, and further details are expected as the situation unfolds.
The injured individuals are said to be in stable condition, though they are receiving critical care at Kamuzu Central Hospital. Mr. Thanks Elia, as the Student Union president, has been a vocal leader on campus and his involvement in the accident has shocked many students who look up to him. University officials, including Mr. Lamba, Mr. Manda, and Mr. Dagoulas, play critical roles in the institution’s administration and their involvement in the accident has caused concern among both staff and students.
The University of Malawi community is reeling from the double blow of losing one of its students and the subsequent accident involving senior figures. Many students and staff members have expressed their solidarity with the injured, sending messages of support and prayers for their speedy recovery.
As the news spreads, Malawians are reminded of the dangers that exist on the country’s roads, particularly during long journeys late at night. The accident in Dedza adds to the growing list of road incidents that have raised concerns about road safety across the country.
University officials are expected to release an official statement regarding the accident and the health status of those involved in the coming days. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the well-being of the injured and providing support to the affected families.
This accident serves as a painful reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of road safety, especially for those traveling long distances under difficult conditions.
_Burnett Munthali is a political analyst and journalist, reporting on current events in Malawi._
In a recent post on his official Facebook page, Malawi’s Minister of Local Government, Richard Chimwendo Banda, stirred conversation by commenting on political and developmental matters. His post, written in a mix of Chichewa and English, reflects the dynamic and often heated nature of the country’s political discourse. His words carry strong sentiments about Malawi’s political trajectory under President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.
Chimwendo Banda’s message began with the provocative statement, “Atipha ndi chitukuko Dr Lazarus Chakwera,” which can be loosely translated as “Development under Dr. Lazarus Chakwera will overwhelm us.” This statement could be seen as a mix of both sarcasm and confidence in the developmental agenda that the president has championed since taking office in 2020.
As the post continues, Chimwendo Banda addresses a personal matter, expressing, “This is Malawi and not India,” highlighting the context of local governance and identity. He contrasts Malawi with other nations, possibly in response to ongoing debates about Malawi’s developmental pace compared to other countries. His reference to India might have been a metaphorical comparison, urging Malawians to appreciate their unique journey rather than drawing parallels with nations that have taken different developmental paths.
He further writes, “nde ngati ndinaphonya Chithuzi,” suggesting that he may have missed a particular image or point. This phrase hints at the fact that he might have overlooked or misunderstood something in the ongoing discussions, but maintains a tone of resilience. Chimwendo Banda is known for his fiery and unapologetic political rhetoric, and this phrase could be an acknowledgment that not all criticisms are understood or addressed in their full context.
In a direct address to a fellow individual, he says, “zinthu izi zikufana wanva iwe my dear sister Gitta.” It appears that Chimwendo Banda is engaging with a specific individual, possibly a political colleague or critic, referring to how events or situations may seem similar or aligned with past occurrences. This line conveys his familiarity and openness in addressing individuals within his political circle.
Finally, his statement, “asiye awo asova,” translates to “let them be, they will deal with it.” This indicates a dismissal of critics or those who disagree with his views, a typical stance among politicians who are determined to push their agenda despite opposition.
Chimwendo Banda’s use of social media to voice his opinions has become part of the broader landscape of political communication in Malawi. By engaging directly with the public on platforms like Facebook, he fosters both support and criticism in real-time, as citizens react to his statements. His style is often unfiltered, allowing for raw and honest exchanges, which can stir both admiration and controversy.
However, his post also highlights a deeper question about how Malawi navigates its path toward development under the leadership of President Chakwera. Chimwendo Banda’s words may reflect the frustrations and triumphs felt by many Malawians as they look to their leaders for progress amidst challenges.
In a political climate where every word can be dissected and analyzed, Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda’s Facebook post serves as a reminder that social media has become a powerful tool for politicians to communicate directly with their audience. His bold approach may continue to ignite conversations about Malawi’s future, leadership, and development.
Only time will tell how these discussions evolve, but one thing is clear: the political conversation in Malawi remains as vibrant and unpredictable as ever.
_Burnett Munthali is a political analyst and journalist, contributing to discussions on Malawian politics and governance._
