Peter Mutharika, at the remarkable age of 85, was sworn in as Malawi's president for a second term on October 4, 2025, marking a dramatic political comeback and a pivotal moment for the southern African nation. The inauguration, held at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre—the country’s commercial capital—drew thousands of jubilant supporters, government officials, and a notable roster of African dignitaries. The stadium, awash with the blue and white colors of the Democratic Progressive Party, pulsed with excitement and hope as Mutharika took the oath of office from Chief Justice Rezine Mzikamanda.
Mutharika’s return to power comes after a decisive victory in the September 16 presidential election, where he garnered over 3 million votes, amounting to 56.8% of the total. He defeated outgoing president Lazarus Chakwera, who received nearly 1.8 million votes, or 33%. This election marked the fourth time the two political rivals faced off at the polls, with voters this round rejecting Chakwera after five years of economic turmoil and mounting public frustration.
The ceremony itself was a show of regional solidarity, as reported by Reuters and the Associated Press. Among the high-profile attendees were President Daniel Chapo of Mozambique, President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, Tanzania’s Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, and ministers from Angola, Namibia, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their presence underscored Malawi’s importance in the region and the keen interest neighboring countries have in its stability and progress.
Mutharika, a law professor who previously served as Malawi’s president from 2014 to 2020, did not mince words in his inaugural address. He painted a stark picture of the nation’s current predicament. “Our nation is in crisis. There is no food, no foreign exchange. This is a man-made crisis,” he declared, according to AP. The country faces acute food shortages, a persistent lack of foreign currency, soaring inflation, and frequent fuel shortages—all symptoms of a deepening economic malaise. Malawi, already one of the world’s poorest nations and heavily dependent on agriculture, has been further battered by climate shocks, including a devastating cyclone in 2023 and a severe drought in 2024 that decimated crops.
“There is no money in government. Borrowing is extremely high, and nobody knows where the borrowed money has gone,” Mutharika stated, highlighting the gravity of the fiscal crisis. Yet, his message was not one of despair but of resolve. “We will fix this country,” he promised, before cautioning the crowd, “I don’t promise you milk and honey. I promise you hard work, tough and painful decisions.”
One of the central themes of Mutharika’s speech was a renewed commitment to fighting corruption, a scourge that has long plagued Malawi’s public sector. “The honeymoon of looting government is over!” he proclaimed, echoing sentiments reported by Reuters and local outlets. He vowed to restore integrity and efficiency in public service, warning, “Malawi belongs to all of us, regardless of political, cultural, or religious background. So, if anyone acts to the contrary, I will go after him or her. Never say I never warned you.” His tough stance was directed not only at politicians but also at public servants, as he pledged to root out malpractices at every level.
Mutharika’s anti-corruption rhetoric comes with a sense of irony, as he himself faced graft allegations during his first term. Nonetheless, his supporters hope that his second tenure will mark a turning point in the fight against official malfeasance. According to AP, he praised international partners—the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union—for their support in anti-corruption efforts, signaling a willingness to work closely with the global community.
International relations and foreign investment were also high on the agenda. Mutharika appealed to the world for investment, emphasizing that Malawi seeks “partnerships, not handouts.” He specifically addressed the United States, noting that U.S. President Donald Trump had sent him a message of congratulations. He announced that a Malawian delegation would soon travel to Washington to negotiate following recent cuts in U.S. foreign aid—an issue that has worsened Malawi’s economic difficulties. “We will soon send a delegation to America to discuss our country’s prospects, especially after cuts in U.S. foreign aid,” he said, as reported by Reuters.
The outgoing president, Lazarus Chakwera, did not attend the inauguration, a move that some interpreted as a sign of lingering political tension. However, the Malawi Congress Party, which Chakwera leads, issued a statement wishing Mutharika “success and good health” in his new term. This gesture of goodwill, though restrained, suggested a measure of continuity and respect for democratic norms, even amid a fiercely contested political landscape.
Mutharika’s swearing-in as the seventh president of Malawi also saw Jane Ansah take the oath as vice-president, further cementing a new chapter in the nation’s leadership. The event was not just a political milestone but an emotional one for many Malawians who, despite the country’s daunting challenges, turned out in droves to witness the ceremony. The crowd’s energy reflected both relief and anticipation—a yearning for change after years of hardship.
Yet, the road ahead is fraught with obstacles. Malawi’s reliance on agriculture makes it especially vulnerable to climate extremes, and the recent string of disasters has left millions at risk of hunger and poverty. The chronic shortage of foreign exchange has crippled businesses and exacerbated fuel and food crises, while high borrowing costs have left the government with little fiscal room to maneuver. Mutharika’s call for “hard work, tough and painful decisions” was a sobering reminder that there are no easy fixes.
Still, Mutharika’s supporters see hope in his experience and resolve. Having studied law at Yale University and spent years navigating Malawi’s turbulent politics, he is no stranger to adversity. His political comeback—after losing office in 2020 when a court nullified the 2019 election due to irregularities—demonstrates both his resilience and his enduring appeal among voters.
As the dust settles on the inauguration, Malawians are watching closely to see if Mutharika can deliver on his promises. The international community, too, will be gauging whether this new administration can restore confidence, attract investment, and set Malawi on a path toward recovery. For now, the message from Blantyre is clear: the days of complacency are over, and a new era—however difficult—is underway.
The challenge for President Mutharika will be turning bold words into tangible progress, as Malawians look for real change amid persistent hardship and uncertainty.
