The schism between Saulos Chilima and President Peter Mutharika was encouraged by former First Lady Callista Mutharika and Akweni Patricia Kaliati. It was reported that the two women were key figures in encouraging the late Vice President Saulos Chilima to challenge Peter Mutharika for leadership within the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which eventually led to the formation of the United Transformation Movement (UTM).
While some social media discourse exists surrounding the split, the core reasons were political, centered on power struggles and accusations of corruption. It is said many the democratic progress party saw saulos Chilima as an outsider and did not deserve to be the heir apparent to APM.
However, some young people in the party believed Peter Mutharika to be too old and very unlikely to run again, therefore they started jockeying for power prematurely. Saulos Chilima listened to these voices and started challenging the old Mutharika leading to his stripping of all his portfolios, leaving him as Vice President in Name only.
In a noticeably brief period, about three months since taking power the DPP is at it again. Sidelining the Vice President Jane Ansah. Many Malawians suspect power struggles within the DPP in readiness for the 2030 Presidential ambitions is forcing many to Jockey for positions.
Vice president Justice Dr. Jane Ansah has responded with Grace saying she cannot question why President Peter Mutharika has removed two departments from her office to the office of the president and cabinet because she enjoys delegated powers.
Speaking after the chieftaincy celebrations for her cousin at Jobe Nyanja village around senior chief Kalumbu in Lilongwe today, Ansah said the country’s constitution has prescribed job descriptions for the state president but not the vice.
“Before I went for my leave in the UK, I had visited several parts of the country to ensure that when time for distribution of relief items people should not find it difficult to access them. I believe I have discharged my duties faithfully.
“When the president was giving me those roles he did not explain why,” said Ansah.
At first president Mutharika removed the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA) to his office before removing the Department of public sector reforms management from the vice president’s office.
With Chilima, the Disagreements arose in early 2018 when Chilima expressed his intention to challenge President Peter Mutharika for the leadership of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) at their convention.
Corruption Accusations: Chilima resigned from the ruling DPP, citing nepotism, cronyism, and corruption within the party.
Failed Relationship: The relationship deteriorated following attempts to sideline Chilima, with reports suggesting that top DPP officials advised Mutharika to “get rid” of him.
Leaked Audios: There are mentions of “leaked audios of Akweni” (along with other members) in a Facebook post from late 2024, but the content in the snippet refers to users discussing the authenticity of such leaks rather than Akweni directly influencing the 2018 split.
Domestic Politics. Intra-party conflicts were noticeable in both the ruling dpp and opposition parties. The disagreements between …
Saulos Chilima split from President Peter Mutharika due to intense political friction within the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regarding succession, with calls for the younger Chilima to replace the aging Mutharika in the 2019 election. This led to Chilima’s sidelining from government duties and the eventual formation of his own party, the United Transformation Movement (UTM).
Key details of the split:
Succession Disputes: Internal pressure mounted for 78-year-old Mutharika to step down in favor of 46-year-old Vice President Chilima, creating two factions within the ruling DPP.
Sidelining of the VP: Mutharika began sidelining Chilima, including replacing him with other officials for key foreign trips in April 2018.
Formation of UTM: Chilima left the DPP to form the United Transformation Movement (UTM) to contest the 2019 elections, though he remained the Vice President.
Policy Differences: Chilima publicly criticized the Mutharika regime for corruption and pushed for “united transformational leadership”.
The DPP party should be cautioned these internal disagreements will make it suffer the same fate it did in 2019. It is too early to start politicking for 2030 when the country has many problems affecting the nation.
Malawi faces a deep, multifaceted crisis rooted in severe poverty, ranking as one of the world’s poorest nations. Key challenges include extreme food insecurity affecting millions, high inflation exceeding 30%, significant, and climate-related disasters like cyclones and droughts that cripple agriculture.
Key Problems in Malawi:
- Extreme Poverty and Economic Crisis: Over 36% of the population lives in extreme poverty, with the country suffering from high debt, foreign exchange shortages, and low economic growth.
- Food Insecurity and Hunger: A sizable portion of the population faces hunger, with severe food deficits caused by erratic weather, resulting in the need for humanitarian aid.
- Climate Change and Environmental Degradation: Frequent droughts and tropical cyclones (e.g., Cyclone Freddy) cause massive displacement, destroy infrastructure, and ruin crops. Environmental issues like deforestation and soil erosion are also major concerns.
- Healthcare Challenges: The country suffers from widespread health crises, including recent major cholera outbreaks and high rates of malaria. Malnutrition is also a severe issue affecting children’s development.
- Infrastructure and Energy Shortages: Limited access to electricity, poor road networks, and slow internet access hinder economic growth.
- Social and Political Issues: Significant gaps exist in education, with low completion rates for children and high adult illiteracy. Corruption and political instability, including violence, have also hindered development.
- Gender Inequality and Human Rights: Women have limited access to education and economic opportunities. Furthermore, there are serious concerns regarding the safety of people with albinism and restrictions on freedom of expression.
The combination of these factors makes sustainable development difficult, as the nation is constantly managing food shortages and economic instability.
Peter Mutharika should understand that sidelining his Vice President will lead to the defeat of the DPP in 2030, thereby tarnishing his image and legacy. In 2030 victory can only be achieved If they show a united front.