Mozambique’s opposition leader, Venâncio Mondlane,claims that he escaped an assassination attempt in South Africa, where he had sought refuge after disputing the presidential election results.
In a Facebook video, Mondlane describes being in “mortal danger” when assassins visited his home, forcing him to flee through a back door, navigate a hair salon, and escape with his family.
Although Mondlane’s account is unverified and lacks evidence, his story has sparked attention.
Venâncio Mondlane
Meanwhile,Mozambican authorities have remained silent on the matter, and South Africa’s foreign ministry has denied knowledge of Mondlane’s presence in the country .
Despite this, Mondlane continues to advocate for protests against the election results, including an upcoming march in Maputo.
Mondlane went into hiding about two weeks ago, after his aide and lawyer were killed as they were preparing to challenge the results.
Daniel Chapo, the candidate of the ruling party Frelimo, was officially declared the winner in Mozambican elections with over 71% of the vote, as opposed to Mondlane’s 20%.
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has rejected calls from the major opposition parties — AFORD, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), United Democratic Front (UDF), and United Transformation Movement (UTM) — to suspend the second phase of the voter registration exercise scheduled to commence on Friday, November 8, 2024. The opposition parties argued that the registration should be halted until issues affecting the credibility and accessibility of the process are addressed.
Representatives from these parties recently raised concerns with MEC, citing challenges in the first phase of registration, including equipment malfunctions, inadequate voter education, and issues with registration staff, which they believe could compromise the accuracy and inclusiveness of the voter roll. In a joint statement, the opposition parties urged MEC to take corrective measures before advancing to the next phase.
MEC Chair Mtalimanja
However, in a press briefing on Thursday, MEC Chairperson Dr. Chifundo Kachale stated that the commission is proceeding with the registration as scheduled. Dr. Kachale emphasized MEC’s commitment to delivering an efficient, transparent, and accessible registration process, highlighting that the commission has made preparations to improve upon any shortcomings identified in the first phase.
“Halting the registration process would disrupt our electoral timeline, potentially impacting the 2025 general elections,” Dr. Kachale remarked. He assured that MEC has mobilized additional resources and personnel to address issues raised, and he urged opposition leaders to encourage their supporters to register and participate fully.
MEC also emphasized its readiness to continue engaging with all political stakeholders to foster trust and collaboration throughout the electoral process. The commission assured that mechanisms are in place to promptly resolve any technical issues that may arise during the registration period, with the aim of ensuring that every eligible voter is registered.
Despite MEC’s assurances, AFORD, DPP, UDF, and UTM remain skeptical about the commission’s capacity to address the problems adequately. They have indicated that they will continue to monitor the process closely and reserve the right to escalate their concerns if irregularities persist.
The second phase of the registration will cover central and northern regions, and MEC has expressed confidence in its ability to deliver a more seamless experience for citizens in these areas. As the voter registration proceeds, MEC’s handling of the process will be under intense scrutiny from both opposition leaders and the public, as Malawians look forward to an inclusive and credible electoral process in 2025.
On Thursday, November 7, 2024, His Excellency President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika and First Lady Prof. Gertrude Mutharika led a food distribution ceremony in the Chikweo area of Machinga district, where severe food shortages have left many families struggling to survive.
In recent months, distressing reports of starvation and heartbreaking images have emerged from this area, depicting families resorting to wild roots, mangoes, and other foraged items in the absence of adequate food supplies. Alarmed by the worsening crisis, President Mutharika said that, as a leader and a concerned citizen, he felt compelled to act.
Mutharika
Speaking at Mwakwera FP ground, the President expressed deep empathy for the affected communities, highlighting that Machinga’s escalating hunger crisis moved him to organize an immediate response to provide food relief. “As a leader, it is my duty to respond when our people face such hardships, especially when lives are at risk,” he remarked.
The relief packages distributed included maize flour, soap, cooking oil, sugar, and essential food items, offering some relief to families in dire need.
Several senior party members, including the DPP’s Deputy Leader for the Eastern Region, Honorable Bright Msaka, and the party’s Campaign Director, Honorable Makande, attended the event. Their presence emphasized the party’s support for the Machinga community during this difficult time.
The President’s arrival at Mwakwera FP ground brought a sense of hope to the crowd gathered for the ceremony, as they witnessed tangible support reaching the people most affected by the food crisis.
In a surprising turn in Malawi’s political landscape, UTM’s Publicity Secretary Felix Njawala has publicly endorsed Dr. Dalitso Kabambe for the UTM presidency. Njawala’s endorsement comes amid a highly anticipated contest within the UTM party, with several prominent figures vying for the leadership role, including Patricia Kaliati, Dr. Mtumbuka, Michael Usi, and Newton Kambala. Njawala’s statement underscores his confidence in Kabambe’s leadership qualities and vision for UTM’s future, sparking discussions across Malawi’s political circles.
Dr. Kabambe, a former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi, joined UTM with a robust background in finance and governance. His entry into the party marked a shift toward technocratic leadership, promising economic revitalization and reforms aimed at uplifting Malawi’s struggling economy. Known for his expertise in economic policy, Kabambe has been vocal about implementing strategic financial measures that could stabilize Malawi’s currency, control inflation, and foster sustainable development. This platform, centered on economic reform, has evidently resonated with Njawala, whose endorsement reflects a desire for a leader equipped to tackle the country’s pressing economic issues.
Njawala emphasized that Kabambe’s deep understanding of economic policy is precisely what the UTM party and Malawi need at this juncture. “Dr. Kabambe has the right mix of intellect, experience, and a genuine concern for Malawi’s welfare. He is someone who can lead UTM in a direction that prioritizes economic reform and effective governance,” Njawala stated. He went on to suggest that Kabambe’s leadership could appeal to a broad base of Malawians, potentially expanding UTM’s reach and strengthening its position in national politics.
The endorsement is notable not only for its timing but for its potential impact on the UTM presidential race. Njawala’s support could sway undecided delegates and grassroots supporters who view him as a trusted voice within the party. In turn, Njawala’s endorsement has given Kabambe a visible boost ahead of the convention, where members will decide on the party’s future leader.
Critics, however, argue that Kabambe’s previous tenure as Reserve Bank Governor may draw scrutiny, as his leadership came during a period of economic difficulties in Malawi. Yet, supporters counter that Kabambe’s candidacy is a sign of renewal, bringing with him the skills to address Malawi’s longstanding economic challenges and implement pragmatic solutions.
Njawala’s endorsement aligns with calls within UTM for pragmatic leadership that can present credible alternatives to the ruling party. With Malawi grappling with high unemployment, inflation, and public debt, Kabambe’s economic acumen is seen as a strength that could address these concerns, particularly in the eyes of UTM’s young and economically concerned supporters.
Njawala’s endorsement has amplified the stakes for other candidates, pushing them to articulate clearer visions for UTM’s future and distinguish their platforms from Kabambe’s. As the party convention draws nearer, each candidate will need to make a compelling case for why they should lead, in an environment that is growing increasingly competitive.
In the weeks ahead, as UTM’s internal dynamics continue to unfold, the race for the presidency promises to bring more surprises, endorsements, and perhaps even alliances. For now, Felix Njawala’s endorsement has added a new dimension to Dr. Dalitso Kabambe’s campaign, underscoring a strategic shift within UTM that could reshape its identity and approach to governance.
An independent presidential candidate for 2025 elections Isaiah Emmanuel Sunganimoyo, has appealed to those that have a helping hand of giving whatever they have to others, to come in and help the people under T/A Mkanda in Mulanje district.
Sunganimoyo has claimed that people in the villages of Nalikata, Likhomo, Kondwelo, Mphaya, Magombo, Tembenu and other surrounding villages, have crossed the borders to Mozambique to look for piece-works in exchange of food for their survival.
Sunganimoyo
He said even if Mec voter registration exercise is being conducted in the district, many people are not patronizing centres as villages have been disserted expressing fears that these people will be denied their right to vote for a candidate of their choice case in point hunger.
Speaking through a video clip, Sunganimoyo said he wanted to find out why people are not going for voter registration and a national outcry that no national Identity Card (ID) no chance to vote for candidates in the 2025 elections.
Sunganimoyo said he visited some villages in parts of southern and eastern regions saying it was heartbreaking to see many villages in the area of T/A Mkanda in Mulanje district with no people and after enquiring their whereabouts, he was told that many are in the neighboring Mozambique.
He said this hunger crises has not only affected areas under T/A Mkanda but the whole district of Mulanje and many districts, people are sleeping with empty stomachs a development which demand urgent attention not only by government, but NGOs, church organizations and well-wishers.
The independent presidential candidate has made a special appeal to Christian churches and Mosques in the surrounding villages whose people are hunger-stricken to do something and after giving them food, they should encourage them to work hard in their fields to avert hunger.
He said in villages whose people are affected by hunger crises, children are not going to school due to lack of food describing this as a threat to the future generation that they will not contribute positively to the development of their areas, communities, district and the country as a whole.
“To those whose hands are blessed to support others with food for their survival, I am urging you to share a little food you have for the beneficiaries not to forget you for life,” said Sunganimoyo.
He has finally appealed to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and political parties to take lead to help the people of Mulanje and other districts to save them from being escorted to early graves because of hunger which is biting hard in many households.
