Malawi’s Peter Mutharika has been sworn in for a second term as president, vowing to eliminate government corruption and rebuild the nation’s struggling economy.
The 85-year-old leader secured more than 56% of the votes in last month’s election, defeating outgoing president Lazarus Chakwera, 70, who garnered 33%. Voters turned against Chakwera after five years marked by deepening economic hardship in one of the world’s poorest countries.
Saturday’s inauguration ceremony, held at a stadium in Blantyre, drew a large crowd of supporters dressed in the blue and white colours of Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), along with government officials and several African heads of state.
In his inaugural address, Mutharika acknowledged the severe economic challenges facing the southern African nation, including widespread food shortages, a rising cost of living, and critical shortages of foreign exchange that have disrupted businesses and caused persistent fuel scarcities.
“There is no money in government. Borrowing is extremely high, and nobody knows where the borrowed money has gone,” he said.
However, Mutharika assured citizens of his commitment to restoring stability and accountability. “We will fix this country,” he declared. “I don’t promise you milk and honey. I promise you hard work, tough and painful decisions. The honeymoon of looting government is over!”
He also appealed to the international community for renewed support and investment, noting plans to send a delegation to the United States to discuss economic cooperation following recent cuts in U.S. foreign aid.
The September 16 election marked the fourth time Mutharika and Chakwera faced off in a presidential race.
In a statement, Chakwera’s Malawi Congress Party said that while the outgoing president was not present at the inauguration, he extended his best wishes to Mutharika, wishing him success and good health in office.
