Category Archives: Malawi

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corruption, Law and order, Malawi

Malawi Intelligence Chief Dokani Ngwira’s errand boy Martin Kantikana arrested for drugs trafficking

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s National Intelligence Service (NIC) Director General Dokani Ngwira’s errand boy Martin Kantikana was on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, arrested at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) for suspected drug trafficking.

Sources at KIA told The Maravi Post that Kantikana was trafficking drugs in a Diplomatic Bag to Israel.

“Upon arrest at KIA, the suspect was taken to Area 18, Lingadzi Police Station, but later in the night, Police from Area 30 took him, so now we don’t know his whereabouts,” adds the source at KIA.

A source at Area 30, Police Headquarters confirmed the arrest of Kantikana who is said to have implicated the head of National Intelligence Dokani Ngwira who reportedly cut his trip short from China to save his proxy and errand boy Kamtikana who is in police custody.

Sources at Area 30 told The Maravi Post that Ngwira wanted the unconditional release of Kamtikana from police custody, stating that the drugs in the Diplomatic bag were for President Lazarus Chakwera.

“But Inspector General of Malawi Police Service Yolamu refused to release Ngwira’s errand boy from custody arguing that the suspect is not new in drug trafficking

“There is pressure to release Kamtikana from police custody without taking him to court and use another way to send the drugs to Israel to save the face of President Chakwera from the scandal”, added the source.

According to sources, Ngwira is expected to arrive in Malawi on Saturday from China, where he was with President Chakwera to resolve the mess in which he has implicated the Head of State, President Chakwera.

Both KIA and National Police Publicists were not available for comment on the matter.

In 2016, Kamtikana was suspended for allegedly intimidating members of the audit team at the Malawi Embassy in Ethiopia following revelations that MK293 million was siphoned out of the public purse and deposited into personal accounts.

In 2016, Kamtikana alongside Grant Kayipa was suspended and till now their case was not been full.

NIS chief Ngwira has been in the media for the wrong reasons since President Lazarus Chakwera appointed him.

Two years ago the embattled Ngwira ordered the arrest of The Maravi Post Senior Reporter Dorica Mtenje for being accused of writing false stories against him which he failed to justify in a competent court of law.

Ngwira’s incompetence at NIS puts Chakwera’s administration in jeopardy.

The embattled NIS chief Ngwira, a pastor of Assemblies of God Church in Lilongwe has been surviving on the job due to the friendship he has with President Chakwera.

More to come…

Business, Malawi, Opinion

Facts check: List of loans obtained by Malawi Government between 2004 and 2024

Maravi Post Reporter

Here is the list of loans obtained by Malawi Government between 2004 and 2024:

  1. 2004
  • IMF PRGF: $10 million (Source: IMF)
  • National Bank of Malawi: MWK 10 billion (Source: Reserve Bank of Malawi)
  1. 2005
  • World Bank IDA: $50 million (Source: World Bank)
  • African Development Bank: $20 million (Source: African Development Bank)
  • EU European Investment Bank: €15 million (Source: EU European Investment Bank)
  • Standard Bank Malawi: MWK 5 billion (Source: Standard Bank Malawi)
  1. 2006
  • EU European Commission: €30 million (Source: EU European Commission)
  1. 2007
  • World Bank IDA: $70 million (Source: World Bank)
  • OPEC Fund for International Development: $20 million (Source: OPEC Fund for International Development)
  1. 2008
  • African Development Fund: $30 million (Source: African Development Fund)
  1. 2009
  • EU European Commission: €30 million (Source: EU European Commission)
  1. 2010
  • China Exim Bank: $100 million (Source: China Exim Bank)
  • World Bank IDA: $100 million (Source: World Bank)
  • Ecobank Malawi: MWK 3 billion (Source: Ecobank Malawi)
  1. 2011
  • Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa: $30 million (Source: Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa)
  1. 2012
  • IMF Extended Credit Facility (ECF): $156 million (Source: IMF)
  • African Development Bank: $50 million (Source: African Development Bank)
  • China Development Bank: $200 million (Source: China Development Bank)
  1. 2013
  • EU European Investment Bank: €50 million (Source: EU European Investment Bank)
  1. 2015
  • India Exim Bank: $20 million (Source: India Exim Bank)
  1. 2018
  • China Exim Bank: $500 million (Source: China Exim Bank)
  1. 2019
  • World Bank IDA: $150 million (Source: World Bank)
  • African Development Bank: $70 million (Source: African Development Bank)
  • EU European Investment Bank: €60 million (Source: EU European Investment Bank)
  1. 2020
  • IMF Rapid Credit Facility (RCF): $100 million (Source: IMF)
  • World Bank IDA: $200 million (Source: World Bank)
  1. 2021
  • African Development Bank: $100 million (Source: African Development Bank)
  • EU European Investment Bank: €80 million (Source: EU European Investment Bank)
  1. 2022
  • China Exim Bank: $300 million (Source: China Exim Bank)
  • India Exim Bank: $50 million (Source: India Exim Bank)
  1. 2023
  • World Bank IDA: $250 million (Source: World Bank)
  • African Development Bank: $120 million (Source: African Development Bank)
  1. 2024
  • IMF Extended Credit Facility (ECF): $200 million (Source: IMF)
  • EU European Investment Bank: €100 million (Source: EU European Investment Bank)
Politics, Regional

Malawi to benefit from over US$51 billion in China support

Malawi News Agency (MANA)

By Chikondi Chimala

BEIJING-(MANA)-President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, says Malawi and other African countries stand to profit from China’s financial support in various technical areas with over RMB360 billion yuan (about $51 billion) in the next three years.

The president made the remarks in his keynote address during the official opening session of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on Thursday which President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera is attending.

Xi Jinping said China will work with Africa to implement ten partnership actions for modernization to deepen China-Africa cooperation and spearhead the Global South modernization that will comprise mutual learning among civilizations, trade prosperity,industrial chain cooperation, connectivity, development cooperation, health, agriculture and livelihoods, people-to-people exchanges, green development, and common security.

“To implement the ten partnership actions, the Chinese government will provide RMB360 billion yuan of financial support through the next three years. This breaks down into RMB210 billion yuan of credit line, RMB80 billion yuan of assistance in various forms, and at least RMB70 billion yuan of investment in Africa by Chinese companies. In addition, China will encourage and support Africa in issuing panda bonds in China to enhance our results-oriented cooperation in all areas,” said Xi Jinping.

President Chakwera who is leading the Malawi delegation to the FOCAC Summit has already expressed interest to leverage on the new strategic relationship with China by getting a slice of developments and support for Malawi that are on offer from China.

Malawi has already bagged a K50 billion financing support for constructing the Judicial Complex in Lilongwe. More positive outcomes are being consolidated through various side bilateral engagements that the president has and continues to hold with various Chinese companies and officials.

Xi Jinping further reinforced his commitment to Malawi and Africa in general by saying no country in Africa should be left behind in the joint path to modernization.

Said Xi Jinping: “As an African proverb goes, a friend is someone you share the path with. On the path to modernization, no one, and no country, should be left behind. Let us rally the more than 2.8 billion Chinese and African people into a powerful force on our shared path toward modernization, promote modernization of the Global South with China-Africa modernization, and write a new magnificent chapter of development in human history. Let us join hands to bring about a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress for our world”.

Also in attendance at the opening session were, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, Chairperson of the African Union (AU), António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission and other heads of state and government from various African countries.

FOCAC was founded in 2000 and has been one of the key development drivers for Africa providing tangible development results and outcomes transforming African countries in their pursuit of development for the upliftment of their people.

Business, Malawi

“No fuel prices adjustment”-MERA

Malawi News Agency (MANA)

By Hastings Yobe

LILONGWE-(MNANA)-Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has announced that there will be no adjustments to the current fuel prices.

This decision comes amidst widespread speculations about potential price hikes.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, MERA confirmed that the prices per litre for petroleum products would remain unchanged.

“The current rates are Petrol at MK2,530, Diesel at MK2,734, and Paraffin at MK1,910.,” reads the statement.

MERA has since urged the public to disregard any contrary information and assured that it will keep stakeholders and the general public informed about any developments in energy regulation through official channels.

Politics

Dr. Dalitso Kabambe said to  host global zoom meetings for UTM supporters

Burnett Munthali

By Burnett Munthali

In a bid to connect with Malawians around the world and strengthen the UTM movement, Dr. Kabambe has announced a series of Zoom meetings aimed at engaging with supporters who are committed to advancing positive change in Malawi.

Organized to cater to Malawians residing globally, these virtual meetings are designed to ensure that every UTM supporter has the opportunity to participate and contribute, regardless of their location. The initiative underscores Dr. Kabambe’s dedication to fostering a global dialogue and enhancing the movement's impact on both local and international fronts.

Details for the upcoming Zoom meetings have been provided, allowing participants to join from anywhere in the world. This format is intended to facilitate broad and inclusive discussions, making it easier for supporters to stay informed and involved in the movement’s objectives and strategies.

Dr. Kabambe encourages all interested individuals to join these sessions, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in driving meaningful change. “Choose to be part of this growing and loved movement,” Dr. Kabambe states. “Be part of the change, be the change.”

The series of meetings marks a significant step in expanding UTM’s reach and fostering a stronger sense of global community among its supporters. By leveraging technology, Dr. Kabambe aims to bridge distances and unify voices across borders, reinforcing the movement’s mission and vision.

For those interested in participating, the Zoom meeting details are attached for easy access. Engage with fellow supporters, share your insights, and contribute to shaping a brighter future for Malawi.

Malawi, Sports

Insufficient camping worries Flames Coach Mabedi ahead of Burundi match

Maravi Post Reporter

By Edwin Mbewe


LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Football National team head coach, Patrick Mabedi has shown dissatisfaction with the number of days he has spent with players in camp ahead of tomorrow’s first group L Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) clash against Burundi at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

Speaking to journalist Mabedi said “We came a little bit late than the days we were given by the committee, we had session on Tuesday in the morning and afternoon but i think it was not enough but it is what it is.

“I wish and hope that we adjust and prepare well because we have a task which is qualifying to the finals hence it pivotal to win home games.I would love in future to focus on our task, if you’re a fishermen focus as a fishermen and if you’re a electrician focus on that, this is to say that we need to support the project of the coach so that he doesn’t have any excuses in future”, explains Mabedi.

The coach added that, after the training session the boys are showing potential but with just one session, he expects to have problems of coordination and combination in the team.

“Look, we have failed to call other people who are enjoying the league because of time so I think we have to improve by giving maybe seven days or five, that will be good for those players to have a look maybe they may help us along the way”, added Mabedi.

Malawi is in group L of the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifiers alongside Burkina Faso, Burundi and Senegal.

Politics

Parliamentary Service Commission Gets New Commissioner as DPP’s Mary Mpanga Replaces Dr. George Chaponda

Maravi Post Reporter

By Twink Jones Gadama

The parliament has appointed Mary Mpanga, a member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) from Phalombe, as a Commissioner of the Parliamentary Service Commission.

Mpanga replaces Dr. George Chaponda, who was also a Commissioner and a prominent figure in the DPP.

The appointment comes after the DPP’s Zomba Chingale Constituency’s Loney Chijere Chirwa was rejected by the Parliament.

The rejection sparked controversy, with some accusing the Parliament of being biased against the DPP.

Mpanga’s appointment has been welcomed by Lilian Patel, the leader of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the Parliament.

Supporters of the DPP have hailed the appointment as a positive move. They argue that Mpanga is a capable and experienced individual who will bring value to the Commission.

“Mary Mpanga is a seasoned politician and administrator,” said a DPP supporter. “Her appointment is a testament to the party’s commitment to promoting capable women to leadership positions.”

The Parliamentary Service Commission is responsible for overseeing the administration of the Parliament and ensuring that it functions effectively.

The Commission is composed of five members, including the Speaker of the Parliament, who serves as the Chairperson.

The controversy surrounding the appointment of Loney Chijere Chirwa and the subsequent rejection by the Parliament has sparked a heated debate about the role of politics in the appointment of Commissioners.

“Some people are trying to politicize the appointment of Commissioners,” said an analyst. “However, the appointment of Mary Mpanga shows that the Parliament is committed to promoting capable individuals regardless of their political affiliation.”

As the debate continues, Mpanga has pledged to work tirelessly to ensure that the Parliamentary Service Commission functions effectively and efficiently.

“I am honored to have been appointed as a Commissioner of the Parliamentary Service Commission,” Mpanga said. “I pledge to work with all stakeholders to ensure that the Commission achieves its mandate.”

The appointment of Mary Mpanga has set tongues wagging, with some hailing it as a positive move while others have expressed concerns.

However, one thing is certain – the move has brought attention to the important role that the Parliamentary Service Commission plays in the functioning of the Parliament.

Health

The Republic of Korea and WHO discuss joint priorities, challenges and trends around global health

Maravi Post Reporter

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Republic of Korea have a long-standing partnership spanning over 75 years. As a result of their fruitful collaboration, there has been significant progress in health and development all around the world. The Republic of Korea has gone from being a donor-recipient country to a donor-country and is now a leader in global health and playing a critical role on the world stage.

Dr Catharina Boehme, ADG for External Relations and Governance (WHO) and Dr Hye-jin Kim, Deputy Minister for Planning and Coordination (Ministry of Health and Welfare), together with counterparts from WHO and the Governement of the Republic of KoreaDr Catharina Boehme, Assistant Director-General for External Relations and Governance (WHO) and Dr Hye-Jin Kim, Deputy Minister for Planning and Coordination (Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea), together with counterparts from WHO and the Government of the Republic of Korea.

To further strengthen this partnership and our commitment to working jointly to address global health challenges, WHO and the Republic of Korea convened their second Strategic Dialogue in Seoul from 28 to 29 August 2024. Dr Catharina Boehme, Assistant Directory-General for External Relations and Governance, led the WHO delegation and was accompanied by an in-person team and colleagues participating virtually from the three levels of the Organization (headquarters, regional, and country offices).

Dr Hye-Jin Kim, Deputy Minister for Planning and Coordination, Ministry of Health, led the Republic of Korea delegation and was joined by senior officials including Dr Young-Mee Jee, Commissioner, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, as well as senior counterparts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

In addition, in line with WHO’s work to enhance collaboration with parliamentarians, the WHO delegation also met with various Members of the National Assembly that are championing the global health agenda.

The recently concluded two-day meeting resulted in an alignment of priorities and paved the way for enhanced collaboration between WHO and the Government of Korea.

WHO delegation with Mr Jonghan Park, Director-General, Development Cooperation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) - holding up the WHO Investment Case reportWHO delegation with Mr Jonghan Park, Director-General, Development Cooperation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) – holding up the WHO Investment Case report

Sourced from WHO