Malawi’s President Arthur Peter Mutharika has officially begun his second term in office, vowing to fight corruption and rebuild the struggling economy after winning last month’s general election.
The 85-year-old leader took the oath of office on Saturday, October 4, at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, in a colourful ceremony attended by thousands of supporters, government officials, and several African heads of state.
Mutharika, the head of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), secured 56% of the vote, defeating outgoing President Lazarus Chakwera, who received 33%.
The September 16 election marked the fourth presidential contest between the two longtime political rivals.
In his inaugural speech, President Mutharika said his government was inheriting a country in serious economic trouble, marked by rising food prices, fuel shortages, and a lack of foreign currency that has made it difficult for businesses to operate.
“There is no money in government. Borrowing is extremely high, and nobody knows where the borrowed money has gone,” he said.
“But we will fix this country. I don’t promise milk and honey — I promise hard work and tough decisions. The honeymoon of looting government is over!”
He vowed to crack down on corruption, improve accountability, and attract international investment to revive the economy.
The newly sworn-in president also reached out to international partners, particularly the United States, expressing his intention to strengthen cooperation and attract foreign investment despite recent cuts in U.S. aid to Malawi.
“We shall soon send a delegation to the United States to discuss new investment opportunities,” Mutharika said.
In a show of political maturity, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), led by outgoing President Chakwera, issued a statement wishing Mutharika good health and success, even though Chakwera did not attend the inauguration ceremony.
Mutharika’s return to power comes at a critical time. Malawi, one of Africa’s poorest nations, is battling high unemployment, rising inflation, and a public debt crisis.
Analysts say his ability to deliver on his promises will determine whether the country can recover from years of economic decline.
Crowds in Blantyre celebrated after the ceremony, waving the blue and white colours of the DPP as they danced and sang in support of the veteran leader.
Mutharika’s new administration is expected to announce its Cabinet in the coming days, with early focus likely to be on economic reform, job creation, and anti-corruption efforts.
