HRDC questions costly foreign trip by state leaders

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

●Govert denies misuse of public funds
●NAP criticises private trips by leaders
●CDEDI calls for economic reform and dialogue

Relentless human rights campaigner, the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has stated that no more than six people should accompany the Vice President on her second official trip to the United Kingdom.

The organization argues that the delegation should be kept minimal to avoid unnecessary expenditure of public funds.

In a statement released by HRDC signed by its Executive Director, Michael Kayiyatsa, the group emphasized that Malawi is currently facing serious economic challenges and cannot afford extravagant foreign travel by public officials.

HRDC warned that taxpayers’ money should not be wasted on trips that benefit only a few individuals in leadership positions.

The organization further stressed that government leaders must show responsibility and restraint, especially at a time when ordinary Malawians are being asked to tighten their belts due to economic hardships.

HRDC’s concerns come amid reports circulating on social media alleging that as many as 16 people were planning to travel with Vice President Dr. Jane Ansah to the UK.

Additionally,
Kayiyatsa has demanded that the government explain how much money was spent during the President’s recent trip to South Africa earlier this month.

The organization described it as unfortunate that leaders continue to spend heavily while citizens are urged to endure economic sacrifices.

HRDC concluded by calling on government authorities to clearly disclose the number of people accompanying the Vice President and the total cost of the planned UK trip, stating that transparency is essential to restore public trust.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Vice President has dismissed claims circulating on social media suggesting that Dr. Jane Ansah frequently uses public funds amounting to approximately K2 billion as false.

Government spokesperson Richard Mveriwa issued a statement rejecting the allegations, describing them as misleading and unfounded.

However, this denial contradicted an earlier statement from the same office made just hours earlier, in which officials had acknowledged that the reports being discussed were accurate.

The conflicting statements have fueled public debate and raised concerns about transparency and accountability within government institutions.

For several days, Malawians on social media platforms have expressed shock and frustration over reports that the Vice President intended to use public funds for a UK trip that reportedly coincides with a private celebration marking her husband’s 80th birthday.

National Advocacy Platform (NAP) Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe has strongly criticized the practice of senior government officials undertaking expensive private trips using public resources.

He argued that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government has repeatedly told Malawians that it is doing everything possible to revive the country’s struggling economy, yet such trips undermine those efforts.

According to Kondowe, the Vice President could have limited her travel party to security personnel only.

If additional support was required, he said assistance could have been sourced from Malawi’s embassy in the UK and other relevant offices such as protocol services, which would have significantly reduced costs.

Again, the Centre for Economic Development Initiative (CDEDI) has urged the government to use the festive season to focus on resolving Malawi’s economic challenges rather than engaging in costly foreign travel.

CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa said the government should prioritize addressing the shortage of foreign currency, promote local production, and reduce dependence on expensive imports.

Namiwa also stressed the importance of safeguarding foreign exchange reserves so they are used primarily for importing raw materials necessary for local manufacturing.

He further called on the government to decisively address fuel shortages, alleging that some officials are engaging in corrupt practices that undermine fuel procurement processes.

CDEDI also recommended scrapping the current Affordable Inputs Programme (FISP), establishing a fertilizer manufacturing company, and allowing ADMARC to purchase farm produce directly from farmers.

In addition, Namiwa said the government should explore sustainable ways of increasing tax revenue without placing an excessive burden on citizens.

Speaking at a press briefing, Namiwa said CDEDI intends to engage Vice President Dr. Jane Ansah in dialogue regarding the reported K2 billion UK trip, noting that Malawians are already struggling under newly introduced taxes.

He praised citizens who have spoken out on the issue, saying their actions demonstrate growing public awareness and accountability.
Namiwa also criticized the DPP for continuing practices similar to those of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) instead of implementing meaningful reforms.

He urged the government to make bold decisions during the holiday season on critical issues such as economic recovery, healthcare, good governance, and the rule of law