By Durell Namasani

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera is expected to hold official engagements in Vatican City State from, Monday with the  highlight of the visit being his meeting with Pope Francis.

In an interview, Malawi’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany and also accredited in the Vatican City State and the Holy See, Joseph Mpinganjira said that the President will arrive in Rome, Sunday and is among other assignments expected to meet the head of the Catholic Church and Leader of the Vatican, Pope Francis, on Monday.

Pope Francis invited President Chakwera to discuss pertinent issues affecting the two states.
The Catholic Church has been working with Malawi in areas of health, education, social services, governance as well as pastoral services.

Mpinganjira said the church leaders face persecution in some countries, but this is not the case in Malawi.

“As President Chakwera meets the leader of the Vatican City and head of the Catholic Church, it is very important to express an appreciation to the Catholic Church on what it is doing to the Malawian people as well as the country in spreading development and protecting the rights of people” he said.

After meeting Pope Francis, President Chakwera is also expected to hold discussions with Secretary of State of the city state, and key on the agenda will be on how to strengthen the cordial relationship between the two countries.

By Twink Jones Gadama

Former President of Malawi, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, made a scathing assessment of the current state of leadership in the country during the official opening of the DPP convention on Sunday, August 18.

In a speech that drew applause and nods of agreement from the crowd, Mutharika declared that Malawi has a president, but lacks a leader.

Mutharika’s statement was a clear reference to the current president, who he accused of failing to deliver on promises made to the people of Malawi.

“The president promised to take Malawians to Canaan, but has failed to do so because he isn’t a leader,” Mutharika said.

The former president’s words struck a chord with many in attendance, who have grown disillusioned with the current administration’s inability to address the country’s pressing challenges.

Mutharika’s speech was a stark reminder of the high expectations that Malawians had when they elected the current president, and the subsequent disappointment that has followed.

Mutharika’s critique of the current president’s leadership style was biting.

He argued that a true leader is one who is able to inspire and motivate others, who is able to make tough decisions, and who is able to put the interests of the country above their own.

“A leader is not just someone who holds a position of power, but someone who is able to make a positive impact on the lives of others,” Mutharika said.

The former president also took aim at the current administration’s policies, which he argued have failed to address the root causes of Malawi’s problems.

“We need a leader who is able to think critically and come up with solutions that will take our country forward,” Mutharika said.

Mutharika’s speech was not just a critique of the current president, but also a call to action for the DPP and its supporters.

He urged the party to remain united and focused on its mission to serve the people of Malawi.

“We must work together to build a better future for our country,” Mutharika said.

As the DPP convention continues, Mutharika’s words will undoubtedly resonate with many delegates.

The question on everyone’s lips is: what next for Malawi?

Will the country find the leader it so desperately needs, or will it continue to stumble from one crisis to another? Only time will tell.