Dear Readers,
We are already in March 2025 and so far, a lot has already happened in Malawi, particularly with the increasing silent devaluation of the Malawi kwacha. Vendors have taken to the streets to engage members of parliament regarding the prices of Kaunjika business. This movement ultimately led to the Minister of Trade’s dismissal, as we saw the next day that he was fired. One fundamental question arises: Did the Minister of Trade cause the changes in commodity prices? We have witnessed numerous cases related to foreign exchange scarcity and fuel, as well as court battles where the government controls prices while companies struggle to survive.
We have seen Police and other government officials invading Lilongwe in search of foreign exchange, as intelligence indicates that some businesspersons are holding forex in their homes. We observe all these issues, but we seem to have no clear understanding of the problem. We believe it’s important for those involved in monetary policies to seriously advise the government on what the issue is. We likely need serious think tanks at the Reserve Bank and the Ministry of Finance to revisit our monetary policies. Quick-fix solutions will not help this country.
As we approach the 2025 General Elections, we are increasingly concerned about the disturbing scenes unfolding in our country, particularly those involving our men in uniform. The incident in Machinga must be unequivocally condemned. We cannot condone violence in any form. The video footage from Machinga reveals that children and young people heavily participated in these actions, which exposes them to a life of violence and conflict. The images they witness will have lasting effects in their minds, and we do not want this cycle of violence to continue. We must take decisive action to put a stop to it.
Stakeholders, Gender activists, Civil Society Organization (CSO) leaders, and Government representatives are meeting in New York for the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. This year’s event is particularly significant as it coincides with the 30 years anniversary of the Beijing Conference and Plan of Action. The meeting will review
progress towards the plan of action. As a country, we need to assess our progress with the plan.
We wish you happy reading
