As Malawi approaches its 61st Independence Day this Sunday, July 6, some voices are questioning whether the country is genuinely free.
Political analyst George Phiri has cast doubt on the nation’s independence, arguing that continued economic dependence, food insecurity, and social instability suggest Malawi has yet to attain true sovereignty.
“We celebrate independence every year, but can we really claim to be independent when we cannot feed ourselves or stand without foreign aid?” Phiri asked. “Our challenges in health, education, and food security are symptoms of a nation still tethered to external support.”
Phiri further pointed to recent outbreaks of politically motivated violence as undermining Malawi’s image as a united and self-reliant democracy. He criticized the government’s dependence on donor funding, referencing the U.S. government’s recent suspension of USAID support as a moment that exposed Malawi’s vulnerability.
“Independent people don’t hack each other with machetes,” he said. “When USAID pulled out, the country came to a standstill. That’s not the mark of independence—it’s the sign of a fragile, dependent state.”
Food insecurity remains one of the country’s most pressing issues, with widespread hunger reported across multiple districts. Phiri said Malawi’s reliance on external food aid in 2024 stands in stark contrast to the ideals of self-determination the country aspired to in 1964.
But not everyone shares Phiri’s bleak assessment. Political analyst Chimwemwe Tsitsi acknowledges the country’s struggles but maintains that achieving independence was essential. “Under colonial rule, Malawians suffered—through forced labor systems like Thangata and racial segregation. Gaining control of our destiny was a necessary step, regardless of the challenges we now face,” he said.
Tsitsi urged a renewed focus on economic reform, particularly in empowering local ownership and rooting out corruption. “We need policies that prioritize Malawian businesses and limit foreign dominance,” he said. “True independence isn’t just a historical event—it’s a continuous effort to build a self-sustaining nation.”
Malawi gained independence from British colonial rule on July 6, 1964. This year, celebrations at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe will feature Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko as Guest of Honour, with festivities concluding in a symbolic football match between Malawi and Botswana.
