Chakwera delivered the address on Friday, but it has since been met with growing criticism from opposition parties and analysts. Members of Parliament are currently debating the speech, with calls for greater accountability over the claims made by the president.  

Chifi Mhango, Chief Economist at Don Consultancy Group and Director of Economic Affairs for AFORD, did not hold back in his assessment of the speech. “I think it’s the first time we have had a SONA that lacks the substance expected of such an address. It failed to properly outline the challenges Malawi is facing and provide solutions. Instead, it was just a list of projects, many of which are incomplete, despite the president’s claims.”  

Mhango pointed out instances where projects cited as complete by Chakwera were, in reality, far from finished. “People are now sharing videos on social media exposing the truth. For example, the president mentioned a health facility in Rupi District in the north that, in reality, does not exist. He also spoke of a housing project for security personnel in Phalombe in the south, yet those buildings are only at foundation level,” he said.  

AFORD has raised concerns about Chakwera’s governance style, questioning whether he was misinformed by his ministers or if there was a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. “A SONA should be based on verified facts. What we are seeing here is a president who is failing to take the country into his confidence,” Mhango added.  

Beyond infrastructure, AFORD also criticised the government’s handling of the healthcare system. Mhango described it as being in crisis, worsened by funding shortages and the recent freeze on United States aid. “The doctor-to-patient ratio is overwhelming. Hospitals across the country, from Mzimba to Chiradzulu, Zomba, Salima, and Chiwawa, are struggling. There’s a severe shortage of medical equipment and proper sanitation. Chakwera should have addressed these issues head-on instead of skirting around them,” he said.  

Public reaction to Chakwera’s address has been largely negative, with many questioning his credibility. The backlash has prompted government officials to issue clarifications, but AFORD remains unconvinced. “Why should ministers be the ones explaining the president’s speech? He must be held accountable for his words,” Mhango stated.  

The opposition party has accused the Chakwera administration of consistently misleading Malawians, citing previous scandals such as the controversial fertiliser procurement deals. “Enough is enough. Malawians placed their hope in this government in 2020, but that hope has been completely eroded,” said Mhango.  
 

--ChannelAfrica--