HRDC demands immediate government action over socio-economic conditions in Malawi

The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has warned that Malawi is at a breaking point and is demanding immediate government action to address worsening socio-economic conditions.

HRDC Chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa expressed concern in a statement saying that fuel shortages continue to disrupt daily life, affecting the movement of goods and people and slowing economic activity.

At the same time, the rising cost of living, increasing rental prices, and persistent hardship are placing significant strain on households.

HRDC noted that while official figures indicate a drop in inflation, this has not translated into relief for ordinary Malawians because prices of basic goods remain high, rentals have surged, and families are increasingly unable to meet even their most basic needs.

Kayiyatsa indicated that the crisis is further worsened by persistent power blackouts, unreliable water supply, and severe shortages of foreign exchange, all of which are crippling businesses and undermining livelihoods.

The coalition pointed to recent remarks by Government Spokesperson Shadric Namalomba confirming that Malawi’s fuel reserves have been depleted and that the country lacks sufficient foreign exchange to import fuel.

HRDC said this admission contradicts earlier narratives that blamed the fuel crisis on external geopolitical developments, and argued that the situation is largely a result of domestic governance failures, poor planning, and lack of timely intervention.

While HRDC confirmed it has been engaging government on the fuel pricing issue and is awaiting a follow-up meeting with the Minister of Finance, it warned that the pace of engagement does not match the urgency of the crisis.

HRDC is calling on President Peter Mutharika to address the nation urgently, openly, and candidly on the state of the economy.

The coalition said such an address is critical to provide clear leadership, outline concrete time-bound measures to resolve the fuel and forex crisis, restore public confidence, and demonstrate accountability at the highest level of leadership.