Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has demonstrated that it is still a force to recon with following the mammoth crowd which continue patronizing its rallies.
Despite efforts which opposition political parties are doing aimed at wiping out the party it is evident that their efforts have gone in vain.
As the country closes up towards September 16, 2025 polls it is clear the results will be determined according to the regional block and MCP will sweep central region.
On Sunday the party leadership lined up stormed central region again with one rally in Lilongwe Chowo Ground the home of Minister of Homeland Security Ezekiel Peter Ching’oma and the other one in Salima with Hon Richard Chimwendo Banda. All rallies were fully attended to.
Speaking at Maganga Primary School in Salima MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda assured People in Malawi and indeed people of Salima that no one will die of hunger.
Chimwendo Banda said Government of President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has a good budget to buy maize and feed its people.
Chimwendo said whatever the case Government will take care of its people including protecting them from hunger.
He said the rally was important because they came to introduce the new candidates who have just won primary elections.
Again he said the rally was organised to encourage people, because they are going through the drought, the first ever drought in the past few years.
He said as they were about to harvest they were hit by drought especially in central region, just as it is in the northern region and some parts of the southern region.
“We have assure them that Government, of Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has adquate budget procurement line to help those affected and also to continue with winter cropping, to make sure that we alleviate the hunger which is in this place on,” he said.
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has expressed deep concern over the growing trend of involving children in political campaign activities in the country.
According to MHRC Chairperson Chikondi Chijozi, the commission has observed that some political parties are exploiting children by parading them in political rallies to garner support and forcing them to perform songs and poems.
This practice, Chijozi noted, is not only unacceptable but also a violation of children’s rights.
Chikondi Chijozi
“We are deeply concerned about the increasing tendency of involving children in political campaign activities,” Chijozi said. “Children should be protected and kept away from political activities that could potentially harm them or expose them to risks,” she added.
The MHRC’s concerns are echoed by child rights activist Memory Chisenga, who has called for engagement with political parties to sign and commit to upholding child protection policies as the country prepares for the September 16 polls.
“We need to ensure that children are protected from exploitation and abuse during political campaigns,” Chisenga said, adding that, “Political parties must be held accountable for their actions and commit to upholding child rights.”
However, political expert George Phiri attributes the involvement of children in political campaigns to high poverty levels in the country. “Poverty is a major driver of this practice,” Phiri said, adding that, “Some parents may be tempted to involve their children in political activities in exchange for material rewards or promises of future benefits.”
The issue of child exploitation in politics is a complex one, and it requires a multifaceted approach to address.
While poverty may be a contributing factor, it is essential to recognize that children have inherent rights that must be protected.
The MHRC and child rights activists are right to call for greater accountability from political parties and for measures to be put in place to prevent the exploitation of children.
As the country heads to the polls, it is crucial that political parties prioritize the protection of children’s rights.
This can be achieved through the implementation of child protection policies, awareness-raising campaigns, and education programs that promote the importance of keeping children out of politics.
The MHRC’s statement serves as a timely reminder of the need to protect children from exploitation and abuse.
The commission’s call for political parties to respect children’s rights and avoid using them for political gain is a crucial step towards ensuring that Malawi’s next generation is protected and empowered.
The involvement of children in political campaigns is a worrying trend that needs to be addressed urgently.
The MHRC and child rights activists are right to raise concerns and call for action to protect children’s rights. Political parties must prioritize the protection of children and avoid exploiting them for political gain.
By working together, we can ensure that Malawi’s children are protected and empowered to reach their full potential.
The upcoming elections present an opportunity for political parties to demonstrate their commitment to child protection and rights.
By signing and committing to uphold child protection policies, political parties can help ensure that children are kept away from political activities that could harm them.
The MHRC and child rights activists will be watching closely to see how political parties respond to these calls.
Ultimately, the protection of children’s rights is a collective responsibility that requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including government, political parties, civil society, and communities.
By working together, we can create a safe and protective environment for Malawi’s children to thrive.
Young parliamentarians in Ntchisi have expressed disappointment and frustration over the failure of authorities to address the challenges they raised during a child parliamentary session last year in the district.
The young lawmakers, who are passionate about promoting child rights and welfare, had highlighted several issues affecting children in the district, including the shortage of special needs teachers, learning materials, and disability-friendly infrastructure.
According to Holiness Kalimbira, the speaker of the young parliamentarians, the lack of special needs teachers and disability-friendly infrastructure is a major obstacle to children with disabilities accessing education in both primary and secondary schools.
“We raised these issues last year, but unfortunately, nothing has been done to address them,” Kalimbira said during a review meeting organised by the Ntchisi Youth Organisation for Youth and Development (NOYD) in conjunction with World Vision International.
Kalimbira’s concerns were echoed by other young parliamentarians, who expressed frustration over the lack of progress in addressing child rights issues in the district.
“As young parliamentarians, we are committed to promoting child rights and welfare, but we need the support of authorities to make a meaningful impact,” Kalimbira said.
NOYD Project Officer Grecian Stambuli, who organised the review meeting, hopes that the authorities will move with speed to address the concerns raised by the children.
“We are committed to working with the authorities to ensure that child rights issues are addressed in a timely and effective manner,” Stambuli said, adding that, “We urge the authorities to take concrete actions to address the concerns raised by the young parliamentarians.”
Meanwhile, Senior Primary Education Advisor (PEA) in the district, Annie Chazama, acknowledged the challenges facing children with disabilities in accessing education.
“We are working tirelessly with the Ministry of Education to address the problem,” Chazama said, adding that, “Statistics show that the district only has four special needs teachers, which is a major challenge in providing quality education to children with disabilities.”
Chazama’s comments highlight the need for increased investment in special needs education in Ntchisi.
The district’s education sector requires more special needs teachers, learning materials, and disability-friendly infrastructure to ensure that children with disabilities have equal access to education.
The review meeting provided an opportunity for the young parliamentarians to engage with authorities and other stakeholders on child rights issues in the district.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnership in promoting child welfare and rights.
As the authorities work to address the concerns raised by the young parliamentarians, it is essential to prioritise the needs of children with disabilities.
This includes increasing the number of special needs teachers, providing disability-friendly infrastructure, and ensuring that learning materials are accessible to all children.
The young parliamentarians’ efforts to promote child rights and welfare are commendable, and their persistence in pushing for action is crucial in bringing about change.
By working together, we can ensure that children in Ntchisi have access to quality education and opportunities to reach their full potential.
The failure of authorities to address child rights issues in Ntchisi is a concern that needs to be addressed urgently.
The young parliamentarians’ efforts to promote child welfare and rights are crucial, and their concerns should be taken seriously by the authorities.
By working together, we can ensure that children in Ntchisi have access to quality education and opportunities to reach their full potential.
The Limbe Police Station has successfully recovered a stolen firearm and arrested a suspect in connection with the crime.
Dickson Kapalepale, a 40-year-old man from Mulanje District, was apprehended on April 25, 2025, at his hiding place in Chikapa, Machinjiri Township.
According to police investigations, Kapalepale and his friends broke into a house at Mudi Residences on August 25, 2024, stealing several items, including a Taurus pistol.
The police launched an investigation after the matter was reported to Limbe Police Station.
Using intelligence, detectives tracked down Kapalepale and recovered the stolen pistol from Misomali Village, Machinjiri.
Kapalepale will appear in court soon to face charges related to the crime.
Public Relations Officer Sergeant Aubrey Singanyama confirmed the arrest and recovery of the stolen firearm.
Meanwhile Limbe Police Station’s swift action and effective investigation have brought a sense of relief to the community.
Malaria continues to be a significant public health challenge in Malawi, with the country recording 9.4 million cases and 2,252 deaths in 2024, according to the Ministry of Health.
The Malaria and NTDs Youth Corps Malawi has emphasized the need for increased awareness about the disease to influence behavior change and increase demand for treatment among citizens.
Speaking at Kapiri in Mchinji during local activities commemorating World Malaria Day, the organization’s executive director, Sunday Mchemera, highlighted the importance of advocacy and investment in malaria interventions.
With five years remaining to the 2030 global target of eliminating the disease, as set by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Mchemera stressed that concerted efforts are needed to achieve this goal.
“Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, but it remains a major public health challenge in Malawi,” Mchemera said, adding that, “We need to step up awareness about the disease to influence behavior change and increase demand for treatment among citizens. This requires huge investment in malaria interventions, including advocacy, education, and distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets.”
At the Kapiri Health Centre, Senior Disease Control Surveillance Assistant Audifansio Kornelio Moyomsana revealed that malaria accounts for about seven in every 10 deaths at the facility, with 80 in every 100 people treated for the disease. These statistics underscore the need for sustained efforts to combat malaria in Malawi.
The World Malaria Day commemorations provide an opportunity to raise awareness about the disease and promote actions to prevent and control it.
In Malawi, the day is marked with various activities, including distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets, education campaigns, and community outreach programs.
Mchemera emphasized that the Malaria and NTDs Youth Corps Malawi is committed to contributing to the fight against malaria.
“We are working with various stakeholders to promote awareness about malaria and increase demand for treatment,” he said, adding that,”Our efforts include conducting community outreach programs, distributing educational materials, and promoting the use of insecticide-treated bed nets.”
The organization’s efforts are crucial in the fight against malaria, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare services is limited.
By promoting awareness and increasing demand for treatment, the Malaria and NTDs Youth Corps Malawi can help reduce the burden of malaria in the country.
As the country works towards eliminating malaria by 2030, it is essential to sustain efforts to combat the disease.
This requires continued investment in malaria interventions, including advocacy, education, and distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets.
The Malaria and NTDs Youth Corps Malawi and other stakeholders must continue to work together to promote awareness about malaria and increase demand for treatment.
Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Malawi, and sustained efforts are needed to combat the disease.
The Malaria and NTDs Youth Corps Malawi’s call for increased awareness and investment in malaria interventions is timely, and the organization’s efforts are crucial in the fight against malaria.
By working together, we can reduce the burden of malaria in Malawi and move closer to eliminating the disease by 2030.
The World Health Organisation’s global target of eliminating malaria by 2030 is ambitious, but achievable with concerted efforts from governments, stakeholders, and communities.
Malawi has made significant progress in reducing malaria cases and deaths over the years, but more needs to be done to achieve the 2030 target.
The Malaria and NTDs Youth Corps Malawi’s efforts to promote awareness about malaria and increase demand for treatment are essential in the fight against the disease.
By working together, we can create a malaria-free Malawi and improve the health and well-being of its citizens.
