Malawi Roundup: Violence, women participation in elections, tobacco farming

MPs allegedly abandon responsibilities

Some Malawi Members of Parliament have been accused of abandoning their responsibilities to develop their mandated areas and are focusing on the newly demarcated constituencies. This follows the establishment of new constituencies by the Malawi Electoral Commission, according to Malawi 24. The Balaka Central East Constituency Chifundo Makande was cited as one such MP who is focusing on the Rivirivi constituency since its creation, an accusation he has denied. In his defense, his invisibility in the constituency does not mean he is not bringing developments through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

 Tobacco farming to get boost

The government of Malawi has assured tobacco farmers of improved prices in this year’s marketing season. Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale said during the official launch of the Nyasa Tobacco Company on April 9. The Minister further said that the opening of the company will help encourage tobacco growing in the country. “With the coming in of Nyasas Company, the ministry would like to assure the farmers to expect great returns because they are the biggest stakeholders,” he was quoted by Nyasa Times.

12 arrested over violence

Twelve persons were arrested for inciting violence, malicious damage, theft, and arson of property. Police in Dowa, noted that the incident which happened in Katsukunya Village followed a complaint lodged by a villager, Lunia Mafikeni. Police followed up with investigations that led to the arrest of the twelve. The suspects include 58-year-old Nasimelo Mvula, Elemia Banda, 18, and ten others aged between 19 and 22 all from Katsukunya Village, TA Msakambewa in Dowa, a town located in the Central Region of Malawi. The suspects are currently in custody, will soon appear in court to answer charges of inciting violence, theft, and arson, the Malawi News Agency reports.

Welfare of Malawi citizens in South Africa

Malawi’s Minister of Justice Titus Mvalo met with the High Commissioner in the Republic of South Africa to discuss legal challenges facing Malawians. The issues included human trafficking and other cases of Malawians living in South Africa that come in conflict with the law. According to Nyasa Times, Mvalo and his team paid a courtesy call to the Malawian High Commissioner when they visited South Africa to attend the Johannesburg Arbitration Week.

Women participation in elections

National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has highlighted the participation of women in elections in ensuring inclusivity and development. Programmes Officer for Chiradzulu Moses Kaunda has therefore urged women to actively participate in the upcoming general election scheduled for September 2025. He also reassured the DAF and the public that NICE Trust was prepared to work with various stakeholders to ensure that the 2025 elections are free, fair, and peaceful, Malawi News Agency reports.