Mary Louise Kelly, host of NPR’s All Things Considered, is no stranger to tough conversations with important people. In her new national security podcast, NPR’s Sources and Methods, Kelly brings you inside the Pentagon, State Department, and intelligence community to help you understand America’s shifting role in the world, and how events in faraway places matter here at home.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) has condemned the brutal attack on Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporter who was physically assault by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Namiyango councilor and other DPP cadres in Limbe.
HRCC made the remarks following the recent video which is trending on social media.
In an interview with Maravi Post on Saturday, HRCC Chairperson, Robert Mkwezalamba called on the ruling party to distance itself from the attack and for the police to investigate and arrest those involved.
Mkwezalamba described the attack as “against the rules of natural justice” and “uncalled for”.
He emphasized that lawlessness has no place in Malawi and that such acts can distance a ruling party from its citizens.
“We are even surprised to see the suspect in underwear but handcuffed, we don’t know where the handcuffs were collected from,” Mkwezalamba said.
The HRCC has demanded that the DPP take decisive action against its supporters involved in the attack.
Mkwezalamba also commended President Peter Mutharika’s inaugural speech, which emphasized the importance of following the rule of law and respecting human rights.
“Implicitly, it was clear the president wants things done in an orderly manner this time,” Mkwezalamba said.
HRCC has condemned the brutal attack on a suspected MCP supporter by DPP supporters in Limbe.
Mkwezalamba emphasized that lawlessness has no place in Malawi and that such acts can distance a ruling party from its citizens.
LILONGWE–(Maravipost)-First Capital Bank (FCB), the sponsor of the National Youth Football Association (NYFA), has reaffirmed its commitment to disburse administration funds for all grassroots football leagues before the second round commences.
The announcement brings relief to the association, which oversees various youth competitions including the FCB Katswiri Under-20 league.
The funds are expected to be transferred directly to district committee bank accounts before matches resume.
National Youth Football Association Chairperson Tiyenkhu Chavura welcomed the development, confirming that the money will be available before the second round kicks off.
“We are so excited and relieved with this news as the funds will be disbursed before the kick-off of the second round.
“Currently, teams across the country are on break, and we expect teams and stakeholders to use this period to polish up areas where they did not perform well during the first round,” Chavura said.
Responding to an announcement by the Blantyre committee, which had halted FCB Under-20 matches citing unforeseen circumstances, Chavura downplayed the impact, noting that teams are already on their scheduled break.
“We are aware that they are struggling in terms of resources for running the league, but let them be assured of getting the funds any day from Tuesday, 7th October 2025,” he said.
Chavura also appealed to the public to rely on official sources for information about the competitions.
“As an association, we wish all teams and stakeholders the best as they prepare for the second round. Let me also appeal to the public to avoid getting misleading information about our competitions in the country,” he added.
This publication has been reliably informed that First Capital Bank has already prepared the funds for the association.
The second round of the National Youth Football Association leagues, including the Katswiri FCB Under-20 competition which is currently played in 14 districts and participated by over 164 teams, is scheduled to commence on Saturday, 11th October 2025.
First Capital Bank has been a key sponsor of grassroots football development in Malawi, supporting youth leagues across the country through NYFA.
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BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Standard Bank Plc welcomes the new administration’s resolve for a return to economic stability, predictability and strong governance.
The bank looks forward to partnering government and other key stakeholders to support the new President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s plan to immediately tackle prevailing macro-economic challenges.
Speaking during the sidelines of Mutharika’s inauguration, Standard Bank Chief Executive Phillip Madinga said, “Attracting FDI from key economies such as the U.S and China, as outlined in his Excellency Professor President Arthur Mutharika’s inauguration speech, is also critical in unlocking Malawi’ growth potential and delivering meaningful economic recovery.
“We also note the President’s determination to seek a renewal of relations with the U.S through his special friendship with the U.S President Donald Trump”.
Madinga adds, “Easing diplomatic hurdles with U.S should set the stage for dialogue aimed at finding solutions for Malawi’s economy, trade and diplomatic relations.
“The loss of development and technical support following USAID’s departure would require dialogue aimed at exploring solutions for the country”.
Madinga hopes, “We look forward to a strong private and public partnership in the next critical three months of the government’s transition process.
“The stage should be prepared for a re-set of a new economic trajectory where Malawi’s resolve to return to stability through fiscal discipline and governance, dialogue with bilateral and multilateral donors and creditors and improved trade relations, is unambiguous”.
A historic swearing-in marked by promise, controversy, and the urgent need to strengthen Malawi’s democratic institutions
On 4 October 2025, President Arthur Peter Mutharika was officially sworn in as Malawi’s seventh president at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, in a ceremony that combined celebration, solemnity, and controversy.
Thousands of Malawians, foreign dignitaries, and invited guests attended, underscoring the ceremony’s importance not only for Malawi but also for the region’s democratic norms.
Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda administered the oaths of office to both President Mutharika and Vice President Justice Dr. Jane Ansah, marking the constitutional transfer of power and reinforcing the legal and symbolic weight of the occasion.
In his inaugural address, President Mutharika pledged to restore integrity and accountability within public service, asserting that the “honeymoon of plundering government resources is over.”
He warned that anyone violating these principles—whether government officials or party loyalists—would face stringent consequences, signaling a commitment to ethical leadership and disciplined governance.
However, the inauguration was not without controversy. Former President Lazarus Chakwera and Secretary to the President and Cabinet Coleen Zamba were absent, reportedly barred from attending by the incoming administration.
This situation raised significant questions about the exercise of authority prior to the formal handover of power, as the outgoing administration remains constitutionally responsible until the oath of office is taken.
Critics argued that such actions highlighted vulnerabilities in Malawi’s institutional framework, particularly regarding the independence, continuity, and impartiality of the Office of the President and Cabinet during transitions.
Historically, Malawi’s inaugurations have varied in tone and participation. Past ceremonies, including those of Bakili Muluzi, Bingu wa Mutharika, Joyce Banda, and Lazarus Chakwera, generally included both outgoing and incoming leadership as a symbol of constitutional continuity.
Observers note that departures from this tradition risk politicizing what should be a neutral, state-oriented ritual, potentially eroding public confidence in democratic institutions.
Analysts emphasize that the strength of institutions is crucial for Malawi’s development, arguing that political parties and individuals must respect procedures to prevent transitions from becoming partisan spectacles.
The controversy over attendance, alongside discussions about seemingly minor regulations like the ban on blue body paint, sparked nationwide debates about the balance between ceremonial formality, personal expression, and democratic norms.
Experts suggest that these debates reflect broader concerns about the robustness of Malawi’s democratic architecture, particularly the need for clear protocols to guide transitions and uphold institutional integrity.
Despite these challenges, the peaceful execution of the inauguration demonstrates Malawi’s growing electoral maturity and the resilience of its constitutional framework.
President Mutharika’s pledge to combat corruption and rebuild state institutions signals a vision for accountable governance, though implementation will require both political will and the strengthening of institutional mechanisms.
Political scientists argue that sustainable reform will depend on fostering a culture of transparency, investing in institutional capacity, and cultivating bipartisan respect for constitutional processes.
In conclusion, the 2025 presidential inauguration offered a complex tableau: a moment of hope and national unity intertwined with warnings about the fragility of state institutions.
Malawi now faces a critical test: translating presidential promises into tangible reforms while ensuring that institutional structures are robust enough to safeguard democracy during future transitions.
The lessons from this inauguration underscore the importance of balancing leadership authority with institutional respect—a prerequisite for a stable, accountable, and prosperous Malawi.
LONDON-(MaraviPost)-Liverpool’s difficult week continued on Saturday after a heartbreaking 96th-minute winner from Chelsea’s teenage sensation Estêvão sealed a 2–1 victory for the Blues at Stamford Bridge, marking the Reds’ third defeat in just seven days.
The result piles pressure on Liverpool, who have seen their promising start to the Premier League campaign stumble dramatically.
After losing 2–1 to Crystal Palace last weekend, the Reds suffered another setback in midweek with a 1–0 defeat away to Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League.
Despite showing signs of improvement against Chelsea, Liverpool were undone once again in stoppage time. Estêvão, the young Brazilian forward, capitalized on a defensive lapse to score the decisive goal, sending the home fans into jubilation and leaving Liverpool frustrated.
Chelsea’s late victory highlights their growing confidence under new management, while Liverpool’s lack of sharpness in front of goal and defensive inconsistency remain key concerns for Slot side.
Following the defeat, Arsenal have now taken control of the Premier League table with 16 points, from seven games just one ahead of Liverpool, who remain second with 15 points.
The narrow margin, however, underscores how quickly momentum can shift in the title race.
Liverpool will need a swift response to regain confidence and prevent their early-season campaign from unraveling.
With crucial fixtures ahead, Slot men face the challenge of rediscovering their rhythm and resilience before the international break.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s victory marks a major morale boost for the London club, who are now looking to build on the result as they climb steadily up the league standings.
“…But be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” – Joshua 22:5
On Tuesday September 16, 2025 and Saturday October 4, 2025, shall go down in Malawi history books as the moment Malawian voters elected to the country’s Presidency two lawyers, and a multitude of Malawians witnessed their inauguration! As President-elect Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and Vice President-elect Justice Dr. Jane Ansah, step up to the podium on Saturday, they will be walking into Malawi’s records as the first-time lawyer duo in the highest offices in the country. Bravo Bwana President! Bravo Madame Vice President!
According to the dictionary (on the Internet) a lawyer who can also be called attorney, counsel, or counselor, is a licensed professional who advises and represents others in legal matters. Today’s lawyers can be young or old, male or female.
Two interesting facts about lawyers are that nearly one-third of all lawyers are under thirty-five years old; secondly almost half of the law students today are women. The information states that one day women may ultimately be as numerous in the profession as men.
A lawyer has two main duties: to uphold the law while also protecting a client’s rights. To carry out these duties, a lawyer should understand the law and be an effective communicator.
Malawian voters clap hands for yourselves, you picked out people that have your welfare at heart, as enshrined in the legal profession. There shall be no more self-serving leadership with two lawyers at the driver’s seat of Malawi’s leadership.
As we all head to the 3rd Inauguration of President-elect Professor Mutharika and the first swearing in of the first judge of Vice President-elect Justice Dr. Ansah, Malawians have been pouring in various wish lists and strategies for a successful and necessary path littered with strategies. I have lined up 12top strategies the new lawyer-strong Presidency could take up to steer the country to the path of limitless development and progress.
At the top of the list is job-creating strategies up and down all sectors; this a way to boost the failing economy. These job-creating opportunities can be achieved by massive government investing in infrastructure and supporting small and medium business ventures.
Malawi is still predominantly an agricultural economy, thus the Mutharika/Ansah administration must invest in this sector through soft loans, re-introduction of the Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP) where government gave Malawians coupons to buy farming inputs at a reduced (subsidized) rate. The introduction of this strategy during former President Bingu wa Mutharika led to increased food security at the household level and a boost to rural economies.
The health sector is in great need of a serious person to ensure that public health facilities have sufficient medicines, trained healthcare professionals. A way must be made to ensure that all Malawians have access to healthcare.
All hands are needed on deck to fight and SAY NO TO CORRUPTION. There should be no room in the country for corrupt practices. All Malawians at all levels of the society, must be called upon to resist corrupt dealings.
The country had strategic mechanisms to shield the country from rising costs of fuel. One of them was the Petroleum Control Commission, another is the government owned National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) that is mandated to manage the country’s Strategic Fuel Reserve Facilities (SFRs).
The new administration should seriously consider reducing taxes and tariffs. This is especially important for essential productions like food and medicines. Apart from lowering costs, the economy gets a boost as consumers buy more, and companies flourish.
Malawi lost a Vice President in a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of eight other people. Malawians are now resting their trust in the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Government to conduct a credible investigation into the tragedy that claimed the lives of Vice President Saulos Chilma, former First Lady Shanil Muluzi and seven others on June 10, 2024. Malawians have fruitlessly called for justice and transparency and seek the DPP Government to conduct an investigation that is impartial and clear the shroud around the circumstances around the devastating tragic death of the VP and others.
In his remarks following the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) announcement that President-elect Mutharika and Justice Ansah, is the pledge that the DPP Government will introduce free secondary school education in Malawi. This is a measure that aims to lower low literacy rates thereby assisting Malawi youth improve their abilities to secure jobs. Additionally, this will reduce the gender gap as parents will no longer be caused to choose between educating a son or a daughter.
Malawi is ranked 174 out of 189 countries on the Human index. Over 71.3 percent of Malawians live below the poverty line, on $2.15 per day. The DPP has the big task of implementing big time social safety nets, job training programs and other initiatives that will enable youth to take part in the development of the country. Government must be intentional in engaging and enabling vulnerable Malawians to bolt out of poverty, and improve their quality of life.
Since the dawn of multiparty democracy was introduced in Malawi, it has been a vastly divided country. The task on DPP shoulders is the need to devise strategies to unite Malawians. Among the items on this agenda will be to continue the strenuous task of removing nepotism, regionalism and encouraging instead national identity among the many different cultures in the country.
The Mutharika Administration must also continue to come up with pro-poor strategies that are both inclusive and collaborative among groups such as women, youth, rural and traditional populations.
Most important of all, is for the Government, the Malawi Defense Force (MDF) and Police Service, working with ordinary Malawians must work hard to re-introduce the culture of respect for our laws and collectively institute order in all that we do. On top of all this is the need to depoliticize the Police Service; as the MDF successfully depoliticized its work, so too, MUST the Police Service stop being bad-assed people. The Service must stop harassing, intimidating ordinary people. As our fellow citizens often say in the more developed countries: “Police, you work for us, the ordinary people.”
The success of the Mutharika/Ansah administration is success for all Malawians. This is what democracy looks like!
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