Barely in less than 24 hours after President Lazarus Chakwera departed for Abuja, Nigeria, where he is expected to attend the 2025 AfrieximBank Annual General Meeting (AAM), Vice President, Michael Usi, has also boarded a plane on Tuesday morning—this time bound for Maputo, Mozambique.
Capital Hill says, President Chakwera has delegated Usi to Mozambique to represent him at that country’s 50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations.
However, the near-simultaneous foreign trips of the two top leaders have triggered discontent and criticism from citizens and commentators alike, who are questioning the wisdom and timing of the trips as the country is facing a deepening economic crisis.
The dual departures come as Malawi is grappling with one of its most challenging economic periods in recent history. The country is reeling from a cascade of problems including persistent fuel shortages, spiralling inflation, foreign exchange scarcity and widespread hunger.
The government has backed Chakwera’s trip to the AfrieximBank summit as crucial in unlocking funding and investment for Malawi’s ailing economy. Likewise, Usi’s trip to Mozambique is being positioned as a gesture of goodwill to a close regional ally.
But the justification has not quelled public outrage.
“Koma guys, we are not serious. Why not delegate someone? A cabinet minister could have gone to Mozambique,” wrote one Johannes Kachele, commenting on the state-owned MBC Digital Facebook page.
A renowned Political analyst, Dr. George Chaima, however, backed Chakwera on his trip to Nigeria.
“There are certain trips where you can delegate although others require your presence. Meetings where heads of state come together are necessary for a head of state to attend,” said Chaima.
He, however, emphasised that, where public resources are seen to be lean, it is always important to delegate.
The public has raised concerns about the cost implications of such a trip, especially considering the expenses tied to presidential delegates—often involving dozens of officials, security details and travel allowances—all paid in scarce foreign currency.
