Chaponda Accuses MCP Politicians of Hijacking Food Distribution Exercise

Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Dr. George Chaponda, has expressed deep concern over what he describes as the politicization of the relief food distribution exercise by the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) government.
He claims the process is being manipulated for political gain, calling it a grave injustice and a betrayal of the trust and welfare of Malawians.
Dr. Chaponda argues that the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) was established to handle disaster response impartially and professionally.
However, instead of allowing DoDMA to fulfill its mandate, he alleges that the MCP government has taken control of the process by involving its politicians in food distribution.
He describes these actions as a calculated effort to gain political mileage at the expense of suffering Malawians, labeling them unethical and a violation of the principles of fairness and justice that should guide the nation.
In a statement dated January 28, 2025, Dr. Chaponda urged Malawians to reject this alleged political manipulation, emphasizing that their collective suffering should not be exploited for political advantage. He called for transparency, fairness, and accountability in the distribution of relief items.
Furthermore, he reminded the MCP government of its duty to serve all Malawians equally, not just its political supporters, and demanded that the food distribution exercise be returned to the capable and neutral hands of DoDMA.
Dr. Chaponda also urged development partners to closely monitor the process to ensure that relief efforts reach the intended beneficiaries without political interference. He pointed out that the food distribution exercise has fueled allegations that the MCP government has deliberately worsened the hunger crisis to exploit citizens’ suffering for political gain.
“The maize and other relief items being distributed do not belong to MCP. These resources are the property of the Malawian government, approved by Parliament, and procured using taxpayers’ money and support from development partners through the World Food Programme (WFP),” reads part of his statement.
He further stressed that relief items are meant for all Malawians in need, regardless of party affiliation, tribe, or religion, and that no political party has the right to claim ownership or use them as campaign tools.
Dr. Chaponda assured the government that, as Leader of the Opposition, he remains committed to holding it accountable. He vowed that the opposition will not stand by while Malawians’ welfare is compromised for political expediency. He called on all stakeholders to work toward a Malawi where resources are distributed fairly, and every citizen is treated with dignity and respect.