NAP Criticizes Chakwera’s address, urges stronger action on key issues

The National Advocacy Platform (NAP) has called on President Lazarus Chakwera to take more decisive action in addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges.

Chairperson of the National Advocacy Platform Benedicto Kondowe made the remarks following Chakwera’s national address on Wednesday.

While commending the president for the response which he says signals responsiveness to public concerns, Kondowe noted several gaps in the speech which he notes delayed and lacked the depth necessary to instil confidence in the public.

Kondowe acknowledged the President’s commitment to addressing food shortages but criticized the lack of specific plans to reach those still in need.

“The President made a positive commitment to addressing food shortages, but there was no clear plan for how the remaining 1.2 million people will be reached,” he said.

Kondowe stressed that while immediate relief was important, the President’s speech lacked a long-term strategy to achieve sustainable food security in Malawi.

The President failed to demonstrate leadership on austerity measures. Instead of leading by example, he delegated all responsibility to the Minister of Finance. This raises doubts about his personal commitment to fiscal discipline.” Kondowe said.

While the President condemned the violence and called for investigations, Kondowe felt the President missed an opportunity to exercise his full authority as Commander-in-Chief.

“Politicians are defined by the strength of their words. The President has direct authority over the Malawi Police Service and the Malawi Defence Force. Yet, by merely encouraging the police to investigate and prosecute political violence, he failed to assert decisive authority,” Kondowe said.

He also raised concerns about the lack of a clear timeline for transitioning to a government-to-government fuel procurement system, which is intended to stabilize the fuel supply and the President’s handling of political violence in the country.

Kondowe therefore urged the President to take stronger steps to address the challenges facing the nation.