Former president Peter Mutharika has condemned escalating cases of political violence ahead of the September 16 General Election, alleging, that governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP) secretary general Richard Chimwendo Banda is the main perpetrator.
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president was speaking yesterday during a press briefing held at his beachside residence in Mangochi where he also accused President Lazarus Chakwera of being among the perpetrators—again without showing evidence.
But in a telephone interview last evening, Chimwendo Banda shot back at Mutharika, saying the former President should first clean his own party before noticing the alleged problems in others.
He said: “I am pleased that he [Mutharika] has joined Dr. Chakwera in condemning political violence. However, he should first start condemning his own NGC [National Governing Council] members who have advocated for the burning of MCP supporters, including chasing women wearing our party regalia.
“Otherwise, as a party, we join Dr. Chakwera in condemning political violence”.
Following acts of political violence a fortnight ago in Ntchisi where part of DPP’s motorcade was stoned and burnt by unknown thugs, Chakwera condemned the situation, calling for peace to prevail.
Mutharika claimed that MCP and its leadership have created a no-go zone for opposition political parties in the Central Region which is deemed an MCP stronghold.
Last weekend, a minibus transporting DPP supporters to a rally organised by the party’s Central Region leadership was set ablaze by unknown thugs in Mponela, Dowa. Following the incident, the Malawi Police Service issued a statement stating that they have launched an investigation.
Commenting on the incident, Mutharika yesterday said the situation showed that human rights are being disregarded, further calling on the faith community, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to go beyond condemning the situation.
“Malawians should, therefore, utilise September 16 2025 to usher in a new era of peace, stability and prosperity. The DPP promises to build a country free from fear and full of freedom and prosperity,” said Mutharika, who during his time also presided over political violence by alleged so-called DPP cadets.
While taking a swipe at Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) for insisting on using Smartmatic, the company contracted to supply election management devices, Mutharika expressed concern on the suspension of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) with the International Monetary Fund.
In a statement on Wednesday evening, Secretary to the Treasury Betchani Tchereni said the decision to suspend the ECF followed a mutual agreement with IMF.
DPP vice-president (South) Joseph Mwanamveka, who is also former Minister of Finance, yesterday said the consequences of the ECF suspension will be dire, citing lack of forex that will likely result in further devaluations, high interest rates, high inflation and lack of medicines and fuel, among others.
“Poverty is going to escalate and a lot of Malawians will suffer,” he said.
