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Restoring rule of law and justice: Will the DPP walk the talk?

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Restoring rule of law and justice: Will the DPP walk the talk?


By Burnett Munthali

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), under President Peter Mutharika, has pledged to restore the rule of law and tackle corruption in Malawi.

In his inaugural address on October 4, 2025, Mutharika declared, “The honeymoon of looting government is over,” signaling a renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.

However, the effectiveness of these promises depends on how the administration handles judicial independence, corruption cases, and the overall integrity of Malawi’s legal institutions.



Judicial independence: A cornerstone of democracy

Judicial independence is critical to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice is administered impartially.

The Malawi Law Society has long called for reforms to strengthen the judiciary, highlighting concerns over systemic corruption and political interference.

Previous administrations introduced the Judicial Service Administration Bill and the Constitution (Amendment) Bill to enhance judicial autonomy, but key elements such as the Courts (Amendment) Bill remain unresolved, leaving questions about government commitment to reform.

The DPP manifesto emphasizes strengthening governance through the rule of law, digitalizing public service delivery, and conducting rigorous audits to prevent corruption (DPP Manifesto).

While these initiatives are promising, their success depends on genuine implementation that protects judicial independence and resists political pressures.

Corruption cases: Testing political will

Malawi has a long history of high-profile corruption cases that have eroded public trust in government institutions.

The previous administration faced criticism for selective enforcement of anti-corruption measures, with some cases delayed or dropped under alleged political influence (Foreign Policy).

The DPP’s commitment will be tested by how it manages ongoing and future corruption investigations.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Malawi’s independent anti-corruption body, has raised concerns about politicization and insufficient resources (ACB Statement).

The government’s response to these concerns will indicate whether anti-corruption efforts are genuine or merely rhetorical.

*Early signals: Balancing promises with actions*

Early actions by the DPP administration present mixed signals regarding its commitment to rule of law and judicial independence.

While the president’s speeches emphasize accountability, public scrutiny and independent oversight are critical to ensure that these commitments translate into tangible reforms.

The Malawi Law Society has urged the administration to uphold the judiciary’s independence and resist attempts to undermine legal institutions.

The handling of corruption cases will serve as a litmus test for political will, shaping public perception of whether justice is genuinely impartial.

Conclusion: A path forward

The DPP’s success in restoring rule of law and combating corruption depends on implementing reforms that strengthen judicial independence, ensure impartial handling of corruption cases, and uphold the integrity of legal institutions.

Early signs suggest a willingness to act, but true commitment will be demonstrated through consistent, transparent, and accountable actions.

Malawians are watching closely to see if the DPP can transform promises into tangible improvements in the justice system.

Call to action

Citizens must hold the government accountable to ensure that justice and fairness prevail.

Advocacy for judicial reforms, support for anti-corruption measures, and demands for transparency in government operations are essential.

Only through collective vigilance can Malawi build a society where the rule of law is respected and justice is accessible to all.

Ivorians head to the polls as Ouattara seeks controversial fourth term

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Ivorians head to the polls as Ouattara seeks controversial fourth term





By Burnett Munthali

More than eight million eligible voters are set to go to the polls in Côte d’Ivoire on October 25.

The election marks a critical moment for the West African nation as incumbent President Alassane Ouattara seeks a fourth term in office.

Four opposition candidates have entered the race, challenging the long-serving leader and promising to restore democratic balance and national unity.

Ouattara, who first came to power in 2011 after a bitterly contested election that plunged the country into post-electoral violence, remains a dominant figure in Ivorian politics.



His supporters view him as a stabilizing force who has overseen economic growth and infrastructural development over the past decade.

They credit him with transforming Côte d’Ivoire into one of West Africa’s fastest-growing economies and strengthening its regional influence.

However, critics argue that his continued stay in power undermines democratic principles and risks reigniting political tensions in a country still healing from past divisions.

Opposition parties have accused Ouattara of clinging to power despite previous promises not to seek another term, citing constitutional limits that were originally set to prevent such a scenario.

The government insists that the 2016 constitutional reform reset the presidential term count, thereby legally allowing Ouattara to contest again.

This legal interpretation remains highly contested, fueling political debates and public anxiety ahead of the vote.

Observers say the October 25 election will test the maturity of Ivorian democracy and the credibility of its electoral institutions.

Regional and international organizations have already deployed observer missions to ensure transparency, fairness, and peace during the polls.

Security agencies are also on high alert to prevent violence, particularly in areas that have historically been flashpoints during elections.

The opposition, while divided among several candidates, has urged voters to come out in large numbers to demand change through the ballot.

Some candidates have emphasized reconciliation, justice, and economic inclusion as central themes of their campaigns.

Meanwhile, Ouattara’s campaign is focusing on continuity, stability, and economic progress, arguing that unfinished projects require his steady hand.

For many Ivorians, the election represents both hope and uncertainty—hope for a peaceful transition or renewal, and uncertainty over whether the process will be genuinely free and fair.

Political analysts say voter turnout will be a key determinant of legitimacy, especially in a country where apathy and mistrust in institutions remain high.

As October 25 draws closer, Côte d’Ivoire stands at a crossroads between continuity and change, with the outcome likely to shape its political and economic trajectory for years to come.

Whether Ivorians choose to extend Ouattara’s rule or usher in a new era of leadership, the 2025 election will mark a defining chapter in the nation’s democratic journey.

Museveni calls for peace, development, and wealth creation to transform Uganda

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Museveni calls for peace, development, and wealth creation to transform Uganda


By Burnett Munthali

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged Ugandans to adopt peace, development, wealth creation, and free education as the foundation for transforming their communities and the country at large.

The President’s call is part of his ongoing efforts to engage with citizens and promote his vision for Uganda’s development, emphasizing that these four pillars are crucial for achieving socio-economic transformation.

Museveni



By embracing peace, Ugandans can create a stable environment that is conducive to development and wealth creation, the President noted.

Development, particularly in building economic and social infrastructure, is a key aspect of the government’s strategy to transform Uganda and improve the lives of its citizens.

Wealth creation is also essential, and the President encouraged citizens to look beyond government jobs and explore opportunities in the private sector, such as commercial agriculture and small-scale enterprises.

Free education is another critical component of the President’s vision, and the government has implemented various initiatives to improve access to quality education and promote skills development.

The President’s emphasis on these four pillars reflects his commitment to creating a better future for Uganda and its people.

Through his Parish Development Model (PDM) and other initiatives, President Museveni aims to empower citizens and promote economic growth, ultimately transforming Uganda into a prosperous and stable nation.

The PDM, in particular, provides financial support and training to households, enabling them to engage in income-generating activities and improve their livelihoods.

By adopting this model and embracing the four pillars, Ugandans can work together to build a brighter future for themselves and their country.

Overall, President Museveni’s call to action highlights the importance of collective effort and responsible leadership in achieving national transformation.

As Uganda continues to progress, the President’s vision for peace, development, wealth creation, and free education remains a guiding force in shaping the country’s future.

Zambia’s PF Acting President Given Lubinda: “We are more dangerous in prison than outside

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Zambia’s PF Acting President Given Lubinda: “We are more dangerous in prison than outside



By Burnett Munthali

Patriotic Front (PF) Acting President Given Lubinda has made a bold statement, asserting that the party’s members are more dangerous in prison than outside, as the government continues to crack down on opposition leaders.

The statement comes in the wake of the imprisonment of several senior PF officials, including Secretary General Raphael Nakachinda, Ronald Chitotela, Nickson Chilangwa, Bowman Lusambo, and Joe Malanji, among others.

Lubinda’s assertion underscores the party’s resolve and determination to push forward with their agenda, despite the challenges posed by the imprisonment of their leaders.

According to Lubinda, the imprisonment of party members only serves to strengthen their spirit and galvanize support among their followers.

Given Lubinda



When I am arrested, it is me, the individual, who is arrested, but my spirit rises in the hearts of millions, Lubinda emphasized, highlighting the perceived impact of his party’s resilience on the nation.

The PF acting president’s statement is a testament to the party’s unwavering commitment to their cause, even in the face of adversity.

Lubinda’s comments also bring to light the ongoing tensions between the PF and the government, with the party accusing the administration of using the judiciary to silence opposition voices.

The imprisonment of senior PF officials has sparked widespread concern about the state of democracy and the rule of law in Zambia, with many calling for the government to respect the rights of its citizens.

As the situation continues to unfold, Lubinda’s statement serves as a rallying cry for PF supporters and a warning to the government that the party will not be intimidated or deterred from pursuing its objectives.

AWOME annual conference set to empower women journalists

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AWOME annual conference set to empower women journalists

By Rahim Abdul

Preparations for the annual conference of the Association of Women in Media (AWOME) have reached an advanced stage with everything now in place ahead of the highly anticipated gathering scheduled for October 28 and 29, 2025, in Salima District.

According to the organization’s Secretary General, Edith Kaira Gondwe, this year’s event will bring together 91 female journalists from across Malawi for two days of interactive learning, mentorship and professional exchange.

Gondwe said the conference will not only strengthen solidarity among women in the media but also empower them to take up leadership roles both in the newsroom and beyond.

Edith Kaira Gondwe



“The participants will have a chance to learn about the importance of women assuming decision-making positions, financial planning for retirement and awareness on cervical cancer an issue that continues to affect many women in the country,” Gondwe said.

The meeting will be held under the theme “Beyond Elections: Women’s Voices in Governance,” which seeks to encourage female journalists to report more deeply on governance and women’s participation in leadership, rather than limiting their coverage to women contesting in elections.

Gondwe added that this year’s guest of honour will be Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), whose presence will underscore the importance of women’s representation in key national institutions.

Over the years, AWOME has played a crucial role in promoting gender equality in the media sector by advocating for fair representation, building capacity among women journalists and pushing for balanced reporting on gender-related issues.

This year’s gathering is expected to feature panel discussions, experience-sharing sessions and mentorship programmes led by veteran female journalists and experts from various fields.

Topics will include media ethics, digital transformation, mental health for journalists and strategies for promoting women’s voices in decision-making spaces.

Gondwe emphasized that the conference will also serve as a platform to reflect on the progress made by female journalists in influencing public discourse and holding leaders accountable, while identifying gaps that still hinder women’s advancement in media leadership.

“As AWOME, we believe that empowering women in media is a step toward strengthening democracy and ensuring that women’s stories are told with fairness and depth,” she added.

The Salima conference comes at a time when Malawi continues to witness growing advocacy for gender parity in various sectors, with calls for media practitioners to amplify women’s voices in political, economic and social leadership.

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