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05/06/2026

HIGH COURT STOPS MEC RELOCATION TO BLANTYRE

Jun 5, 2026

The High Court has granted an interlocutory injunction stopping the Malawi Electoral Commission, MEC, from relocating to Blantyre under President Peter Mutharika’s Executive Order of October 2025.

High Court Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda issued the order on Tuesday following an application by three individuals and the opposition Malawi Congress Party, MCP.

The applicants are Emmanuel Chambulanyina Jere, Abraham Mwakhwawa and Daniel Mwanyongo Chitonya.

Judge Nyirenda also granted the applicants leave to proceed with judicial and constitutional review of the relocation decision.

The court order reads in part: “An Order of interlocutory injunction be and is hereby granted restraining the Defendants, their agents, servants or whosoever from implementing the decisions as contained in paragraphs 1(a) and 1(b) hereof or taking any further steps towards the relocation of the Malawi Electoral Commission from Lilongwe to Blantyre or to any other place whatsoever, until a further order of the Court or until determination of the substantive matters.”

Lawyer George Jivason Kadzipatike, who is representing the applicants, said the order blocks any move by MEC.

“With this Order, MEC will not be relocated from Lilongwe to Blantyre or to any other place,” Kadzipatike said.

The Executive Order had directed MEC to relocate to Blantyre alongside the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority, MACRA, and Malawi Housing Corporation, MHC. The relocation has been stalled by a series of legal challenges, most of which have previously favoured the State.

The High Court has granted an interlocutory injunction stopping the Malawi Electoral Commission, MEC, from relocating to Blantyre under President Peter Mutharika’s Executive Order of October 2025. High Court Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda issued the order on Tuesday following an application by three indi...

04/06/2026

MWANAMVEKHA DEFENDS ‘TOUGH REFORMS’ TO FIX ECONOMY

Jun 4, 2026

By Godfrey Steven Mkweteza| News Writer

Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation Joseph Mwanamvekha says government has rolled out tough fiscal reforms to rebuild confidence in the economy.

Speaking during consultations on the National Economic Recovery Plan in Lilongwe Tuesday, Mwanamvekha said the measures are meant to confront economic challenges “rather than postpone problems”.

He said government has instituted serious fiscal consolidation, revised tax policies, adjusted VAT rates, and increased selected fees and levies. Reforms are also underway to boost domestic revenue mobilization.

Mwanamvekha said “difficult decisions” have been made in the energy and fuel sector, including fuel price adjustments, to ease pressure on the fiscal and external accounts.

The Minister acknowledged the impact on Malawians. “Government fully recognises the impact that these measures are having on households, businesses, transport operators, farmers, and the construction sector. We understand the pressure that rising costs are placing on ordinary Malawians,” he said.

He argued that taking hard decisions shows seriousness. “The nation must choose between temporary discomfort from reforms and permanent economic decline caused by inaction,” he said, accusing the past administration of choosing inaction.

Mwanamvekha said the recovery plan is anchored on “realism, discipline, sacrifice and implementation, not promises of easy solutions”.

By Godfrey Steven Mkweteza| News Writer Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation Joseph Mwanamvekha says government has rolled out tough fiscal reforms to rebuild confidence in the economy. Speaking during consultations on the National Economic Recovery Plan in Lilongwe Tuesday, M...

02/06/2026

MALAWI TO EVACUATE CITIZENS AMID RENEWED XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Jun 2, 2026

By Cyrus Bengo | News Editor

Government has moved to evacuate Malawians caught up in a fresh wave of vigilante attacks targeting African migrants in parts of South Africa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Tuesday.

In a press statement, the Ministry said it has been monitoring “reports of vigilante demonstrations and attacks” since they escalated last week in Gauteng and other provinces. Through the Malawi High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg, officials have been working with Malawian diaspora leaders to assess the scale of the violence and provide emergency consular support.

The Ministry said it has undertaken “several diplomatic initiatives” with Pretoria, including high-level engagements it described as “cordial and candid”. It commended the South African government for taking “decisive steps” to curb the attacks and for responding to Malawi’s concerns. The two countries share longstanding economic and migration ties, with an estimated 1.5 million Malawians living and working in South Africa.

Government will now commence a voluntary repatriation exercise, but only for nationals who have requested assistance. “The exercise is intended only for Malawians who have voluntarily indicated willingness to return home and require logistical support,” the Ministry said. Final logistics will be announced once safety arrangements are complete.

Officials also warned against scams. “Government has not engaged any individual or institution to handle repatriation. Malawians should not be duped by individuals masquerading as Government representatives,” the statement read. All queries must go through the High Commission in Pretoria or Consulate in Johannesburg.

The attacks come amid recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, often targeting small business owners. Government says it remains in contact with Pretoria to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Malawians.

By Cyrus Bengo | News Editor Government has moved to evacuate Malawians caught up in a fresh wave of vigilante attacks targeting African migrants in parts of South Africa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Tuesday. In a press statement, the Ministry said it has been monitoring “reports of ...

27/05/2026

MEC CHAIR HAILS MPESI FOR REFORMS AS HE QUITS

May 27, 2026

By Cyrus Bengo| News Editor

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja has praised outgoing Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi for driving major electoral reforms and strengthening the country’s poll systems.

Mpesi tendered his resignation on May 24, 2026 and will leave office on August 21, 2026 after serving a three-month notice period, according to a statement Mtalimanja released on Tuesday.

“During the notice period, he will continue to discharge his duties and lead a structured handover process to ensure a smooth transition,” the statement reads.

Mtalimanja said Mpesi oversaw the review and demarcation of constituency and ward boundaries as required by the Constitution. She also noted that he facilitated the setting up of accessible voter registration centres and polling stations nationwide.

She added that Mpesi championed electoral legal reforms that produced the current legal framework. He also helped develop MEC’s 2023–2028 Strategic Plan and the 2025 General Election Operational Plan.

“His leadership was instrumental in the successful implementation of an innovative election design during the 2025 General Election,” Mtalimanja said.

The Commission has since thanked Mpesi for his professionalism and contribution to strengthening democracy in Malawi, wishing him well in his future endeavors.

By Cyrus Bengo| Editor in chief Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja has praised outgoing Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi for driving major electoral reforms and strengthening the country’s poll systems. Mpesi tendered his resignation on May 24, 2026 and will leave...

22/05/2026

To***co prices at Malawi’s auction floors have dropped to around 60 cents per kilogram for some grades this week, marking the lowest levels farmers have seen in many years and raising fears over farmer incomes and forex earnings.

To***co prices at Malawi’s auction floors have dropped to around 60 cents per kilogram for some grades this week, marking the lowest levels farmers have seen in many years and raising fears over farmer incomes and forex earnings. To***co remains Malawi’s top export crop, bringing in foreign exch...

20/05/2026

MALAWI OFFICIALS DENOUNCE MOB VIOLENCE LINKED TO RUMORS OF MISSING BODY PARTS

ByTeam Plus

May 20, 2026

Malawian authorities on Wednesday condemned a string of mob attacks in the southern Shire Valley region sparked by rumors that men’s ge****ls were mysteriously disappearing.

Speaking at a community policing event in Nchalo, Information Minister Shadric Namalomba said the violence and misinformation were damaging the region’s reputation and discouraging investment.

“These acts threaten peace and development,” Namalomba said. He urged media outlets to stop airing advertisements from traditional healers that promote false claims.

Police Inspector General Richard Luhanga said anyone spreading the rumors could be arrested. “Take your concerns to the police, not the mob,” he said.

Gender Minister Jean Sendeza Navicha said six children had been arrested in connection with the attacks. She added that the violence had traumatized families and disproportionately harmed women and children.

No medical evidence has been presented to support the claims of missing body parts, officials said. Authorities are investigating the attacks and have appealed to community and religious leaders to help restore calm.

Malawian authorities on Wednesday condemned a string of mob attacks in the southern Shire Valley region sparked by rumors that men’s ge****ls were mysteriously disappearing. Speaking at a community policing event in Nchalo, Information Minister Shadric Namalomba said the violence and misinformatio...

18/05/2026

Ma report akuwonetsa kuti president wakale wachinamba sikisi a Dr Lazarus chakwera akufuna kuwamanga, aKabwira atsimikiza izi poyankhula ndi

18/05/2026

MCP CALLS FOR CALM OVER ALLEGED PLAN TO ARREST PARTY PRESIDENT CHAKWERA

ByTeam Plus

May 18, 2026

The Malawi Congress Party has urged its supporters to remain calm following reports circulating on social media of a possible arrest of party president Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.

Speaking to VoL on Monday, MCP spokesperson Jessie Kabwila said the party had received intelligence suggesting a planned arrest linked to Dr. Chakwera’s walk from the MCP headquarters to lay a wreath at the Kamuzu Banda mausoleum in Lilongwe on May 14, 2026.

Kabwila said the party had not received any written confirmation from security agencies to substantiate the claims. She stated that while the MCP was ready to defend its leader if the reports were true, supporters across the country should avoid actions that could heighten public tension.

The Malawi Police Service had not issued a statement on the matter at the time of going to press, despite efforts to get a comment.

The Malawi Congress Party has urged its supporters to remain calm following reports circulating on social media of a possible arrest of party president Dr. Lazarus Chakwera. Speaking to VoL on Monday, MCP spokesperson Jessie Kabwila said the party had received intelligence suggesting a planned arres...

18/05/2026

RESERVE BANK SELLS 582 KGS DORE GOLD FOR $74.07M

ByTeam Plus

May 18, 2026

The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has confirmed it recently sold 582 kilograms of doré gold sourced from local artisanal miners, realizing US$74.09 million from the transaction.

According to Director of Public Relations Boston Maliketi Banda, the gold was verified for purity by both the buyer and the Bank at an independent laboratory before the sale was completed. The proceeds, equivalent to K127.21 billion, have been converted into the country’s official reserves.

The RBM declined to name the buyer, citing commercial confidentiality agreements. On the use of the funds, Banda clarified that the proceeds form part of the official reserves and are used to meet the country’s import requirements, including fuel imports. He said reports suggesting the entire amount was earmarked solely for fuel were inaccurate.

Following the sale, Malawi’s gold holdings dropped to about 70 kilograms. However, Banda noted that local purchases have since accelerated, with over 150 kilograms bought in April alone. At that rate, the Bank expects to reach 200 kilograms soon and projects holdings of 500 kilograms by the end of June if purchases continue at the current pace.

The Bank reiterated that its strategy is to keep building reserves through continued buying from artisanal miners via its subsidiary, the Export Development Fund (EDF), to strengthen external liquidity and support import cover.

The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has confirmed it recently sold 582 kilograms of doré gold sourced from local artisanal miners, realizing US$74.09 million from the transaction. According to Director of Public Relations Boston Maliketi Banda, the gold was verified for purity by both the buyer and th...

14/05/2026

CHITHYOLA BANDA ACCUSES GOVT OF BETRAYING KAMUZU BANDA’S LEGACY

ByTeam Plus

May 14, 2026

Leader of Opposition Simplex Chithyola Banda says Malawi is losing touch with the values promoted by founding president Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda, citing worsening poverty and governance failures.

In a statement to mark Kamuzu Day, Chithyola Banda said rising cost of living, corruption, and unemployment point to poor leadership and a departure from Banda’s development agenda.

He singled out agriculture for criticism, saying government has neglected smallholder farmers who still struggle with low prices, weak investment, and inadequate support despite the sector’s role in the economy.

Chithyola Banda also raised concern over political intimidation, alleging that state agencies are being used to stifle dissent and target opposition figures.

As Malawi marks the day, he urged leaders to recommit to unity, accountability and investment in youth, women, and rural communities to restore the spirit of Kamuzu Banda’s vision.