Speculation over the health of Malawian President Peter Mutharika has intensified as the government remains tight-lipped about the 86-year-old leader’s prolonged stay in South Africa where he has been since early October.
Mutharika left Malawi on 6 October for what authorities described as a private visit, his fifth trip to South Africa this year.
The government has provided little information about the nature of the visit or when the president is expected to return, fuelling public scrutiny and opposition demands for greater transparency.
The latest concerns come against the backdrop of longstanding questions about Mutharika’s health. During his previous presidency between 2014 and 2020, he faced recurring speculation over his fitness for office, including reports of medical treatment in South Africa.
While government officials have repeatedly dismissed concerns and maintained that he remains capable of performing his duties, periodic absences from the country have continued to attract public attention.
Opposition parties have in recent weeks called for clarity over who is managing the country’s affairs as Malawi grapples with fuel shortages, persistent electricity blackouts, shortages of essential medicines in public hospitals and foreign currency constraints.
The main opposition Malawi Congress Party has urged Vice-President Jane Ansah to address the nation on Mutharika’s health condition as well as the government’s response to the country’s mounting economic and social challenges.
Mutharika returned to power in October last year after defeating former president Lazarus Chakwera, marking a political comeback four years after leaving office.
JN/APA