Peter Mutharika was sworn in as Malawi’s President over the weekend, marking a dramatic political comeback at the age of 85. Thousands of citizens gathered at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre to witness his inauguration. Mutharika, who previously served from 2014 to 2020, reclaimed the presidency after winning the 16 September election with 56% of the vote against incumbent Lazarus Chakwera’s 33%. His earlier defeat followed the nullification of the disputed 2019 election. The veteran leader assumes office at a challenging time, with the country facing soaring inflation, fuel and food shortages, and widespread discontent over economic hardship.
In his inaugural address, Mutharika described the nation as being in crisis, citing food scarcity and foreign exchange shortages as man-made problems he intends to address through hard work rather than lofty promises.
He highlighted Malawi’s vulnerability to climate shocks, recalling the devastating cyclone of 2023 and last year’s drought that destroyed crops in the agriculture-dependent economy. The Yale-trained law professor pledged to tackle corruption, an issue that marred his previous administration, and called on the international community to invest in Malawi, emphasising partnerships over handouts. He acknowledged congratulatory messages from world leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump. Although Chakwera was absent from the ceremony, his party extended a message of goodwill.