Veteran leader returns to power with promises of hard work and reform after defeating incumbent Lazarus Chakwera in a turbulent election
Peter Mutharika has returned to the presidency of Malawi after a dramatic political comeback at the age of 85, vowing to tackle corruption and restore economic stability in one of Africa’s poorest nations.
Mutharika, who previously led the southern African country between 2014 and 2020, was sworn in on Saturday at a ceremony held in Blantyre’s Kamuzu Stadium before thousands of cheering supporters. His inauguration followed his victory in last month’s presidential election, in which he secured 56% of the vote against 33% for the incumbent, Lazarus Chakwera.
The return of the Yale-educated law professor marks a remarkable reversal of fortunes. Just four years ago, he was ousted from office after Malawi’s constitutional court annulled the results of the disputed 2019 election, citing widespread irregularities. The ruling paved the way for Chakwera’s victory in a 2020 rerun and seemed to end Mutharika’s political career.
Yet mounting discontent with Chakwera’s administration, fuelled by economic hardship and shortages of food and fuel, opened the door for Mutharika’s return. His supporters hailed his victory as a chance to restore order and credibility at a time when Malawi faces both economic and environmental challenges.
“Our nation is in crisis,” Mutharika told the crowd during his inauguration speech. “There is no food, no foreign exchange. This is a man-made crisis. We will fix this country. I don’t promise you milk and honey, but hard work.”
Malawi, a landlocked country of 20 million people, has long struggled with poverty and underdevelopment, with agriculture forming the backbone of its economy. Recent climate disasters have compounded the pressure: a devastating cyclone in 2023 displaced thousands, while a severe drought last year wiped out crops and drove up food insecurity.
On top of this, double-digit inflation and a lack of foreign currency reserves have hit ordinary Malawians hard, with fuel shortages and soaring food prices dominating daily life. Critics of Chakwera argued that his government failed to manage these crises effectively, leaving Mutharika well placed to capitalise on voter frustration.
Analysts say Mutharika’s return will not be easy. “The expectations are enormous, but the problems are structural,” said Dr Henry Phiri, a political analyst in Lilongwe. “Mutharika has inherited an economy in deep distress. His legitimacy rests on whether he can deliver even modest improvements in people’s lives.”
Mutharika used his inauguration speech to stress his commitment to fighting corruption, an issue that has dogged Malawian politics for decades. During his first presidency, he himself faced allegations of graft and misuse of public funds, though he has consistently denied wrongdoing.
This time, he pledged zero tolerance. “Corruption has robbed our people of dignity and opportunity,” he said. “This government will fight it with all its strength.”
He praised international partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union, for their support in strengthening anti-corruption institutions. He also revealed that a Malawian delegation will soon travel to Washington to negotiate the restoration of US aid, which had been cut under Chakwera’s leadership. “We are seeking partnerships, not handouts,” he said, in a bid to reassure both domestic and foreign audiences.
Mutharika added that he had received a personal message of congratulations from US President Donald Trump, signalling Washington’s willingness to re-engage with Lilongwe.
The inauguration was notable for the absence of Lazarus Chakwera, who did not attend the ceremony. However, his Malawi Congress Party sent a message of goodwill, calling for national unity and peaceful co-existence.
Political observers say reconciliation will be crucial if Mutharika is to govern effectively. His previous term was marred by street protests and accusations of authoritarianism, raising questions about whether he will adopt a more conciliatory approach in his second stint in power.
For many Malawians, though, immediate concerns are less about politics than survival. “We want maize flour in the shops, fuel at the pumps, and jobs for our children,” said Thokozani Banda, a vendor in Blantyre who attended the inauguration. “We don’t care about speeches — we want change.”
At 85, Mutharika is one of the oldest elected leaders in Africa, and questions about his stamina for the role have surfaced. Yet his supporters insist his experience and international connections will prove vital in guiding Malawi through turbulent times.
His long academic career in the United States — he taught law at universities including Washington University in St. Louis before returning to Malawi in the 1990s — has given him a reputation as a pragmatic and globally minded leader. Whether that reputation can translate into effective governance in today’s crisis-hit Malawi remains to be seen.
As he raised his hand in oath on Saturday, Mutharika promised a government of “hard work, integrity and accountability.” For a country battered by economic decline and natural disasters, the promise of a steady hand at the helm may offer reassurance.
But with expectations sky-high and patience wearing thin, Mutharika’s second act may prove even more challenging than his first.
