If there is a president in Malawi history whose first one year has not been inspiring then it must be Peter’s first one year.
Let us agree to agree or disagree. Kamuzu’s reign is only closely followed by Bingu’s. Which rules them out of the mediocrity race. So, remaining in the race will only be Muluzi senior( Junior Muluzi has ruled himself of any chance of occupying plot number one in the near future), Masiteni and the incumbent Mutharika.
Muluzi may be described as plot number one occupant who presided over a lost decade by some quarters. But that is an overall assessment of his decade. You can’t take away from him the fact that he brought back donor confidence and gave us a breath of new air. He is credited for establishing good governance institutions too. His first year was inspiring before he got drunk with power later on.
Masiteni found a nation that was on its knees. Many believed we were almost a failed state. She didn’t need any magic. She just did away with ‘Binguism’ and there she was! Malawi was back on her feet and found herself in the global news for all the good reasons.
Enter Peter. He rode on the back of his egoistic brother and the unwavering support of his determined Lhomwe followers. Masiteni had drained the coffers courtesy of cash gate so they say. But where Peter run short compared to the donor fearing Masiteni was to get the nod of cooperating partners. He told the traditional donors off by suggesting that Malawi was embarking on a new partnership with the BRICS on his inauguration. Only he knows where they are in these times of great need.
Little did he know that the executive arrogance would mean having the traditional donors completely closing the aid taps? His first year has been received an all-time lowly rating from Malawians. Even his Lhomwe belt supporters are left wondering. That afro barometer survey said it all! Never mind the brave face worn by the likes of Akweni and all what the government machinery says.
Currently, Malawi is facing a myriad of social and economic problems ranging from lack of panado in our hospitals, which have been reduced to waiting centers for angel Gabriel, to a run-away currency. All in a period of 12 months. I will not mention insecurity, delayed salaries, calls for his resignation among others lest I get myself on the hit list!
It is not difficult to conclude that Peter’s one year has been the worst of all year ones. If Peter was a student in the University of Malawi then, he was getting weeded straight away. While as Masiteni and Atcheya would have proceeded to write a supplementary exam to see if they would proceed to the second year.
Currently, Malawi is facing a myriad of social and economic problems ranging from lack of panado in our… http://t.co/GVORxvctsk
— Maravipost (@maravipost) July 19, 2015
But funny and mediocre as it is and such a hopeless situation we find ourselves in, Peter and his sympathizers will put up a brave face to tell all who care to listen that Malawi has been a success story because that is what it means when you are living in a fool’s paradise!
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Maravi Post
