Political analysts have dismissed recent remarks by Minister of Trade Vitumbiko Mumba, who also serves as the running mate to President Lazarus Chakwera under the Malawi Congress Party (MCP). Mumba suggested that the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is responsible for the sharp rise in the prices of essential commodities.
Speaking at a recent event, Mumba claimed that items such as sugar, fertiliser, and cement have experienced steep price increases because of the DPP. He further revealed that President Chakwera would soon announce new fertiliser prices, a development that analysts argue is more of a campaign strategy than an economic solution, with only days remaining before Malawians head to the polls.
Political analyst Wonderful Mkhutche dismissed Mumba’s assertions, describing them as misplaced.
“No, we cannot blame the DPP for this. The increase in prices is due to the shortage of forex and the devaluation of our local currency. We need tangible solutions, as the blame game will not help. While it is encouraging that the government is being proactive, more needs to be done. Malawi requires an overhaul of its economy because short-term measures will not take us far. These challenges go beyond any suspected manipulation by the DPP,” Mkhutche said.
On fertiliser, Mkhutche cautioned Malawians not to expect drastic price drops.
“The government can only provide a small cushion. But for how long will we continue depending on smallholder farmers to feed the nation? Malawi must graduate into large-scale farming driven by companies and cooperatives. We cannot remain hostage to fertiliser prices forever,” he added.
Another political analyst, George Chaima, criticised Mumba’s remarks, saying they reflect poorly on the ruling MCP.
“I am both worried and amused when I hear such statements from a minister. If the government is run by the MCP, then it must take responsibility for the sharp rise in fertiliser, sugar, and cement prices, which have only deepened the suffering of Malawians,” said Chaima.
He further argued that it is disingenuous for MCP leaders to shift blame to the opposition while in power.
“MCP must accept its failure to govern and take responsibility. If indeed the DPP, which is outside government, is controlling the price regime, then that only-begotten exposes MCP’s weakness. He noted
Chaima further said a bad carpenter always blames his tools. Having realised they are in slumber, the MCP should instead actualise price reductions on all commodities to demonstrate its authority as a governing machinery.
