Jumah Claims Malawi is in the Mud with No Resurrection

The President of the Muvi wa Chilungamo Revolutionary Party (MRP), Bantu Saunders Jumah, has criticized Malawi’s governance and corruption levels, claiming the nation has devolved into a “syndicate of mafias.” Citing findings from the Afro-Barometer survey released on December 6, 2024, Jumah argued that the corruption index paints a grim picture of the country’s future.

He questioned the sources of foreign currency used by the President and Ministers for international travel, alleging that politicians are buying and hoarding dollars in foreign accounts. Jumah emphasized that political leaders must experience a moral rebirth if Malawi is to see meaningful change, adding that trust between politicians and citizens has eroded due to a pattern of unfulfilled promises and lies.

In his statement, Jumah praised Afro-Barometer for its work and urged critics of the survey to accept its findings and address their shortcomings. He reminded Malawians that the organization accurately predicted the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) downfall in 2020.

The survey revealed alarming corruption percentages in key institutions:

Police: 44%

Judiciary: 33%

Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA): 35%

Parliament: 33%

State House: 38%

Civil Service: 33%

Local Councils: 33%

Jumah warned that if either the DPP or Malawi Congress Party (MCP) wins the 2025 elections under the current system, development in Malawi will stagnate. He lamented the country’s persistent struggles, including inadequate electricity supply (500 megawatts), poor infrastructure, and stalled development efforts.

“If state institutions meant to combat corruption are themselves corrupt—along with the President, Ministers, Judiciary, and Parliament—then there is no government,” Jumah stated.

He called for a declaration of a State of Emergency over corruption, arguing that without systemic changes, Malawi’s situation will not improve. Jumah also criticized the MCP, accusing the party of failing to reform the country despite 26 years in power and continuing to misuse public funds.

He concluded by urging for constitutional reforms that would empower law enforcement and other institutions to effectively address corruption. Until then, Jumah warned, Malawians should not expect meaningful development.