Opposition accuses MCP of politicizing relief food items

File photo: some of the beneficiaries receiving relief maize
The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament has accused the governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP) of hijacking the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA)’s distribution of relief food items.
In a statement released by his office, George Chaponda reminded the governing party that the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) was established to handle disaster response impartially and professionally, free from political influence.
According to George Chaponda, ruling party officials are politicizing the exercise to gain political advantage, which violates the laws under which DoDMA was established.
“The behavior of MCP officials during the food distribution exercise is cementing allegations that the government may have deliberately created the hunger crisis to exploit the suffering of the poor for its political advantage,” reads part of the statement.
He has since called on the government to stop MCP loyalists from engaging in malpractice and to return the food distribution exercise to the capable and neutral hands of DoDMA, ensuring that relief items reach the intended beneficiaries without any political interference.
Meanwhile, the opposition leader has vowed to hold the government accountable and ensure that the welfare of Malawians is not compromised for political expediency.