In Malawi, the health ministry reported that 35,000 backstreet abortions were carried out in 2022 and 2023, highlighting the unsafe nature of these procedures and contributing to the growing support for abortion rights in the country.

The Tipper Owners Association of Malawi is protesting against mining firms, particularly Chinese nationals, for allegedly dominating the transportation of mining products, which they claim is illegal under their licenses. The group argues that this practice violates the 2020 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) order, which mandates a 60-40 percent share between natives and foreign nationals in supplying goods and services. They are calling on the Ministry of Transport to address their concerns and consider waiving import duties on tippers for local owners, similar to the exemptions granted to foreign investors. The Ministry of Transport has yet to receive an official complaint from the association.

The Auditor General’s Office in Malawi is pushing for an amendment to the current Act to address delays in appointing a permanent Auditor General. Acting Auditor General Makiwa highlighted the challenges and strategic implications of not having a substantive Auditor General. PAC Chairperson Joyce Chitsulo assured that consultations would be conducted to amend the law, which currently allows an acting officer to serve for up to four years. The position has been vacant since 2018, with the current acting Auditor General serving for nearly four years.

The Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency (CSAT) has expressed concerns over the lack of commitment from public officers in Malawi to declare their assets, as mandated. Despite a petition sent to the Public Appointments Committee (PAC) in April last year, CSAT fears many officers are not complying, and no significant sanctions have been observed. PAC Chairperson Joyce Chitsulo stated that Members of Parliament have shown full compliance, but the overall compliance rate among public officers remains unclear. The deadline for asset submission was April 30, 2022, but many have reportedly not adhered to this directive.

President Chakwera, in his State of the Nation Address, announced stringent measures to revamp Malawi's economy, including a review of senior government officials' benefits, reduced procurement of motor vehicles, and mandatory treasury approval for ministry recruitments. He highlighted a reduction in the national budget deficit from 8.8% to 7.3% of GDP through measures like supporting small-scale businesses and promoting local products. Despite criticism, Chakwera claimed nearly one million jobs have been created under his administration.

Five individuals, including protest organizers Redson Munlo and Agape Khombe, were arrested by the National Police in Malawi for attempting to seal the ACB offices, demanding the resignation or firing of Director Martha Chizuma. The arrests were made on charges related to conduct likely to cause a breach of peace after the group defied advice to seek another clearance for their protest.

President Chakwera, during a prayer service at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, urged Malawians to support the government despite the current economic challenges. The event, marking Malawi's 58th Independence, replaced the usual carnival with prayers due to economic constraints. Clergy members, including Reverend Webster Siyame Kameme and Bishop Montfort Sitima, emphasized unity and divine intervention as keys to overcoming the nation's struggles.

President Lazarus Chakwera has fired two top government officials following their formal charges for conspiracy to influence a public officer to abuse office. The officials allegedly influenced the deputy director at the National Oil Company of Malawi to award fuel supply contracts to certain companies. The firings, effective immediately, were announced through statements by the Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Zangazanga Chikhosi, and the Director of Communications at the Statehouse, Sean Kampondeni. Political expert Wonderful Mkutche views the action as a strong message against corruption. This marks the second instance of Chakwera dismissing a cabinet minister over corruption allegations, following the earlier dismissal of Ken Kandodo.

President Chakwera has appointed several women to key government positions, including Ms. Collen Zamba as Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr. Jean Piriminta as Director for the Financial Intelligence Authority, Ms. Lingalireni Mihowa as Board Chairperson for the National Initiative for Civic Education, and Ms. Rachael Mijiga as Chief Executive Officer of the Malawi Gaming Board. MHRC’s Executive Secretary, Habiba Osman, emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and professional performance for these appointees. Governance expert George Chaima views these appointments as a commitment to achieving women inclusion in government roles.

PAC Chairperson Shadreck Namalomba emphasized the need for transparency regarding the number of pending cases in the courts, following Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda's directive to resolve all outstanding cases within 90 days. The Malawi Law Society supports the directive, viewing it as a positive step. The Judiciary, represented by Acting Register Kondwani Banda, presented this directive to the Parliamentary Committee, highlighting the importance of monitoring compliance.

Malawi hosts tens of thousands of refugees fleeing conflict in Africa's Great Lakes region, but human rights groups allege that some refugees are being forcibly relocated. The U.N. provides data on the refugee population, while human rights organizations criticize the treatment of these individuals.

Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority Director General Daudi Suleiman emphasized the need for Malawi to diversify its economy by incorporating technology, citing stagnation in GDP growth due to low production and reliance on tobacco exports. At a Cyber Security Conference in Lilongwe, he highlighted MACRA's initiatives like lobbying for Zero-Rating of education websites and the Data Must Fall Campaign. Solomon Ndindi, CEO of Malawi Research and Education Network, urged the government to create a secure and conducive cyber environment. The Malawi 2063 vision aims to establish a robust ICT infrastructure to support technological adoption and digital access.

A 59-year-old Nigerian woman, Annie Uzoigwe, was arrested at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe for allegedly possessing 48,000 US dollars illegally. Deputy National Police Spokesperson Alfred Chimthere stated that Uzoigwe will face charges for attempting to externalize forex, uttering false documents, and illegal possession of forex. The arrest was made after officers discovered fake receipts for 10,000 US dollars.

Experts express concern over the low COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Malawi, with only 11.8 percent of the population fully vaccinated against a target of 60 percent by December 2022. Sandra Mapemba recommends engaging local structures and leaders to build public trust, while Maziko Matemba warns that not prioritizing campaign programs could hinder progress. Ministry of Health spokesperson Adrian Chikumbe mentions plans for a new campaign to address the issue, based on recent survey results.

Malawi hosts tens of thousands of refugees fleeing conflict in Africa's Great Lakes region. Human rights groups allege that some refugees are being forcibly relocated. The United Nations provides data on the refugee population in Malawi.

Malawi is experiencing food insecurity as maize prices have surged by 110% in 2022, impacting families' ability to afford food. The country is dealing with both natural and manmade challenges, as reported by Chimwemwe Padatha from the capital, Lilongwe.

Malawi is experiencing an increase in non-revenue water, rising from 35% to 39% in a year, resulting in a significant annual revenue loss of MK60 billion for the country's water boards. The Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) alone loses MK15 billion annually due to leaked pipes, theft, and illegal connections. Efforts to address this issue include the Strengthening the Capacity of Non-Revenue Water Reduction for Lilongwe Water Board project (LiSCap), which aims to enhance institutional and human capacity to reduce water loss. The Ministry of Water and Sanitation emphasizes the importance of investing in water supply systems to achieve development goals, while the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) collaborates on strategic plans to mitigate non-revenue water.

In Malawi, where homosexuality is criminalized, parliament has recommended a referendum on legalizing same-sex marriage. Faith leaders oppose same-sex relations, while civil society organizations argue that human rights should not be decided by popular vote.

The article discusses the challenges faced by families in Malawi dealing with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a condition that affects the skeletal, heart, and lung muscles. It highlights the story of the Mulowa family, with several male children suffering from DMD, and the socioeconomic impact of the disease. The article mentions the lack of specialized care and physiotherapy, especially in rural areas, and the financial constraints that lead to inadequate healthcare for such conditions. Health professionals and activists call for more resources and better health financing. The article also touches on the UN resolution advocating for the rights of persons with rare diseases and the need for Malawi to provide adequate healthcare for those living with DMD.

The article discusses the challenges faced by whistleblowers in Malawi and globally, emphasizing the lack of effective protection laws. In Malawi, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is leading efforts to establish whistleblower protection laws, as the current legislation is deemed insufficient. ACB Director General, Martha Chizuma, highlighted the need for clear laws to encourage reporting of crimes. The article also references the European Union's directive for companies to implement whistleblower protection measures, noting that many countries are still non-compliant. In the USA, Associate Professor Antony Fargo from Indiana University advocates for stronger national whistleblower protection laws. The article underscores the importance of such laws for maintaining government accountability and supporting investigative journalism. Experts like Dr. Sydney Kankuzi from the University of Malawi and journalist Gregory Gondwe argue for the implementation and enforcement of effective whistleblower protection to combat corruption and strengthen democracy.

A civil rights group in Malawi has initiated a crowdfunding campaign to raise 180 million kwacha ($17,500) to rescue 50 women and girls stranded in Oman, who were lured with promises of job opportunities but are now held ransom in deplorable conditions. The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) criticizes the Malawi government for inaction, while the Malawi Human Rights Commission and gender rights activists call for investigations and measures against human trafficking. The Ministry of Homeland Security has secured air tickets for the women but still needs to pay the ransom.

The largest recorded earthquake in Turkey has killed over fifteen thousand people and displaced millions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that eight Malawians have been displaced but are safe, residing in temporary shelters. Efforts are ongoing to determine the exact number of affected Malawians. International relations expert Maclan Kanyangwa advises the government to continue contact and tracing efforts. The World Health Organization predicts the earthquake could impact up to twenty-three million people in Turkey and Syria.

Southern Africa is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak affecting multiple countries, including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The crisis is exacerbated by inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure, leading to high infection rates and fatalities. Zimbabwe faces a critical situation with over 22,000 cases and 450 deaths, while Mozambique and the DRC also report significant outbreaks. Efforts to combat the disease include setting up treatment centers and vaccination campaigns, but a global shortage of cholera vaccines hampers progress. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has pledged to increase investment in water and sanitation infrastructure to address the crisis regionally.

Southern Africa is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak affecting countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The crisis is exacerbated by inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure, with local and regional efforts focusing on improving water treatment and hygiene practices. Zimbabwe faces a critical situation with over 22,000 cases and 450 deaths, while Mozambique and the DRC also report significant numbers. Malawi, though less affected, is urged to invest more in water and sanitation. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has pledged to enhance regional cooperation and infrastructure investment to combat the outbreak.

Malawi's porous borders have become major transit routes for refugees, particularly from Ethiopia, leading to a migration crisis. The discovery of 30 bodies in a mass grave in Malawi's Mzimba district has raised concerns about human trafficking. The UNHCR confirms that Malawi is a transit route for trafficked individuals heading to South Africa. Factors driving Ethiopian migration include war, political instability, poverty, and social marginalization. Human rights experts cite ineffective border surveillance as a contributing factor. Malawi's government and security agencies are working to address the surge in illegal immigration.

A debate on media freedom in Malawi has emerged following the revocation of licenses for several independent broadcasters by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) due to unpaid fees. While some support the enforcement of regulations, others criticize the timing given the country's economic struggles. The Media Institute of Southern Africa and the Media Council of Malawi have expressed concerns, while MACRA defends its actions as lawful. The closures have led to job losses, affecting media workers like Robert Edward. The issue has prompted a complaint to President Lazarus Chakwera, highlighting the tension between regulatory enforcement and media freedom.

OXFAM, Norwegian Church Aid, and Development Finance International released a report assessing SADC governments' performance in public service, taxation, and labor. The report highlights that many governments prioritize debt servicing over investments in health, education, and agriculture. During the report's launch in Lilongwe, experts discussed strategies to reduce inequality in Malawi. OXFAM Malawi's Country Director emphasized the need for policies supporting public service spending. Malawi's Minister of Labour acknowledged the issue and pledged government action to address inequality.

Partners In Health launched a five-year plan on August 24th to support health equity in collaboration with local councils in Malawi. CEO Dr. Sheila Davis emphasized the importance of community health workers in addressing disease burdens. Deputy Minister of Health, Enock Phale, aligned the strategy with Malawi's MW2063 development agenda and stressed the need for increased health sector funding to build a resilient system. Partners In Health has over 1200 community health workers in Malawi since 2007.

The repatriation of nearly 700 Ethiopian nationals, primarily minors, from Malawi's prisons is underway, supported by the International Organisation for Migration. This initiative aims to decongest prisons and reduce government expenditure on detainees. Mzuzu University lecturer Aubrey Kabisala commends the move as a best practice in migration governance, noting that most irregular migrants in Malawi are in transit to other countries like South Africa.

A number of women have recently been appointed to high-ranking positions in Malawi's government ministries, departments, and agencies, including Merlyn Yolamu as the Inspector General of Police. The movement, led by Chairperson Babra Banda, plans to engage with these women to support their leadership roles. The Malawi Human Rights Commission, through Executive Secretary Habiba Osman, has praised the country's progress towards women's empowerment and the importance of sustaining this momentum. Malawi's Gender Equality Act mandates a 60-40 representation ratio of either gender in public service.

Minister Blessings Chinsinga disclosed in parliament that utility bodies are responsible for stalling projects by not connecting basic utilities like water and electricity. This has prevented the completion of construction works, despite most projects being at the completion stage. The ministry is actively engaging with these institutions to resolve the issue.

The Malawi Law Society has expressed concerns about potential political turmoil following President Lazarus Chakwera's decision to strip Vice President Saulosi Chilima of his duties due to corruption allegations. The society urges the Anti-Corruption Bureau and other law enforcement agencies to resolve the issue swiftly and lawfully to prevent a political crisis. The situation has raised fears of operational disruptions within the government.

President Lazarus Chakwera criticized ACB Director Martha Chizuma for sharing a corruption investigation report with the judiciary and legislature, which Malawi Law Society’s President Patrick Mpaka defended as constitutional and in line with transparency. However, legal expert Khumbo Soko contested the legality of the decision, stating that only the DPP should demand such reports. The ACB's action followed a directive from President Chakwera issued on May 31st, 2022.

A man from Chiradzulu district in Malawi died with Monkeypox-like symptoms, prompting the Ministry of Health to conduct tests. Initial results indicated it was not Monkeypox. The ministry is taking precautions to prevent the disease from entering the country. Health Expert Maureen Chirwa urged the ministry to maintain a strong surveillance system, while the World Health Organization reported Monkeypox had spread to 23 non-endemic member states as of May 13.

The government of Malawi has launched a plan to develop secondary cities in selected districts, emphasizing the need for mindset change and proper implementation. Minister of Lands, Sam Kawale, highlighted the importance of managing land properly to avoid corruption and ensure the success of the project. The secondary cities will be established in districts including Karonga, Nkhatabay, Salima, Kasungu, Mangochi, Liwonde, Lucheza, and Bangula.

ADMARC's CEO Chiphiko has been suspended following the unauthorized procurement of a Nissan Patrol valued at 107 million kwacha. Board Chair Alexander Kusamba Dzonzi confirmed the suspension and stated that a caretaker CEO will be appointed in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture. Governance commentator George Chaima remarked that the suspension was expected to allow for further investigations. The purchase has attracted criticism due to ADMARC's current financial constraints.

A security expert named Kaisi has expressed concerns over a potential passport crisis in Malawi, attributing delays in passport issuance to increased corruption opportunities. John Kapito, executive director of the Consumers Association of Malawi, has received numerous complaints about difficulties in obtaining passports, suggesting the emergence of corrupt parallel systems. The Immigration Department acknowledges the issue but assures that efforts are underway to appoint a new passport supplier after terminating a contract with Techno Brain due to corruption allegations.

Malawi's Ministry of Health celebrates the UK's approval of its COVID-19 certificates as a significant milestone, which is expected to boost vaccine uptake and public confidence. The World Health Organization has previously recognized Malawi's efficient immunization program. However, George Jobe of the Malawi Health Equity Network warns against vaccination status fraud and emphasizes the need to maintain the authenticity of the certificates. The UK's recognition reverses its earlier policy of not accepting COVID-19 certificates from Africa, a stance that had been criticized by health rights activists.

Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi arrived in Malawi for a three-day visit, where he was welcomed by President Lazarus Chakwera. Nyusi's itinerary included signing a visitors' book, laying a wreath at the Kamuzu mausoleum, planting a tree, and attending the launch of the SADC industrialization week. The visit aims to foster opportunities for intra-African trade and investment. The two presidents will also visit the Marka railway project and hold a private meeting followed by a media briefing.

The 'Covid19 Vaccination Express' campaign was launched at Chinsapo UNICEF ground in Lilongwe, aiming to bring the COVID-19 vaccine closer to people across Malawi's 29 districts. Minister Chiponda called for collaboration with stakeholders to enhance mobilization and civic education on the vaccine's importance, targeting over 1 million vaccinations by the end of December. UNICEF's Steve Okokwu stressed the need for prioritizing vaccination and mobilization to prevent vaccine wastage and curb the pandemic's spread. As of November 5th, 550,444 people in Malawi were fully vaccinated.

The United States, through USAID, has signed a five-year grant agreement worth 1 trillion kwacha to support Malawi's development blueprint, Malawi 2063. USAID Country Director Dr. Catie Lott emphasized the US government's commitment to helping Malawians achieve their development objectives. Malawi's Finance Minister Felix Mlusu acknowledged the significant impact of the grant on the country's development ambitions, despite existing financial challenges. Outgoing US ambassador to Malawi, Robert Scott, noted that the grant would enhance various sectors, including health and public services, by improving public sector accountability and effectiveness.

MEC employees, through their union's vice president Sylvester Luka, express frustration over a directive that unvaccinated staff should not report for duties until vaccinated, citing it as an infringement on their rights. Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda reiterates that vaccination is a personal choice and entities should not enforce it. The decision has sparked public outrage and is seen as conflicting with existing COVID-19 regulations.