Matenje Challenges MCP Over Timing of Apology to Malawians

Political analyst Latimu Matenje has questioned why the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is seeking forgiveness from Malawians and former political partners only after leaving government, arguing that accountability should have been addressed while the party was still in power.

Matenje’s comments follow recent public apologies by MCP president Lazarus Chakwera and party spokesperson Jessie Kabwira, who have acknowledged shortcomings during the party’s period in government between 2020 and 2025.

Chakwera recently appealed for forgiveness during a stop in Dedza, while Kabwira apologised to former coalition partners over issues surrounding the implementation of agreements made during the 2020 election alliance.

Matenje said the apologies raise questions about why the party did not confront the concerns while it controlled government and had the authority to address them.

He said rebuilding public confidence would require MCP to demonstrate accountability and engage directly with former partners affected by disagreements during the Tonse Alliance administration.

Kabwira previously acknowledged that MCP had failed to do some things properly and said the party had learnt from its mistakes, while also expressing willingness to work with former partners ahead of future political engagements.

The apology has also generated criticism within MCP, with Nkhotakota Central MP Silvester Ayuba James questioning whether former partners could trust the party while Chakwera remains its leader.

MCP’s recent outreach follows a series of earlier apologies by Chakwera, including statements concerning abuses during Malawi’s one-party era and an apology over the fuel shortages experienced during his presidency.

The debate has now placed greater attention on political accountability, relations between former coalition partners and the extent to which public apologies can address disagreements that emerged during MCP’s five-year period in government