United Democratic Front (UDF) and Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) have asked President Peter Mutharika to address the nation on the steps his administration is taking to resolve the worsening economic crisis.
In separate statements, UDF and HRDC yesterday decried severe fuel and foreign exchange scarcities disrupting transport, trade, agriculture and the daily lives of millions of citizens nationwide.
UDF president Atupele Muluzi said the cost of fuel has become unaffordable for ordinary Malawians, transporters, small businesses and farmers who depend on it to move their produce to markets.
He also said the cost of living is squeezing household incomes to a breaking point, as prices of basic goods continue to rise.
Said Atupele: “The President must address the nation directly on the fuel and foreign exchange crisis, providing a clear, honest and detailed account of the current state of national reserves, the emergency measures being taken, and a credible plan for restoring stability.
“The government must present to Parliament and to the public a comprehensive and time-bound economic stabilisation plan, with concrete measures to address the foreign exchange shortage, restore fuel supply, reduce the cost of living and support the productive sectors on which Malawi’s long-term recovery depends.”
He further asked government to provide a full and transparent account of the decision to liquidate the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) sovereign gold reserves, including the terms, the amounts and the rationale, so that Malawians understand what has been done with national assets held in their name.
On the other hand, HRDC chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa said while official figures indicate a drop in inflation, this has not translated into relief for ordinary Malawians –economic strain and hardship remain widespread.
He said the crisis is worsened by persistent power blackouts, unreliable water supply, and severe shortage of foreign exchange, all of which are crippling businesses and undermining livelihoods.
HRDC is part of a group of civil society organisations that have been engaging government on the fuel pricing issue, but Kaiyatsa said they will not be party to endless engagements that produce no results.
He said: “HRDC calls on His Excellency the President of the Republic of Malawi to address the nation urgently, openly, and candidly on the state of the economy.
“Such an address is critical to provide clear leadership and reassurance to a distressed nation, outline concrete, time-bound measures to resolve the fuel and forex crisis, restore public confidence and trust in government; and demonstrate accountability at the highest level of leadership.”
Presidential press secretary Cathy Maulidi last evening asked for more time before commenting on the matter.
On Wednesday, Minister of Information and Communications Technology Shadric Namalomba said government has noted the concerns, but will respond through action rather than commentary.
“This is not time for politicking but for delivering solutions,” he said.
Namalomba, who is the official government spokesperson, also assured the public that there is no need for panic buying, saying the country has over 30 days of fuel supply secured, with seven days’ supply already in circulation.
