By Durell Namasani
The main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has sharply criticized Vice President Jane Ansah for undertaking a private international trip, labelling it a wasteful diversion of scarce resources as the nation grapples with severe economic challenges.
The party’s deputy publicity secretary, Ken Msonda, expressed deep disappointment over the journey, reportedly costing 1.9 billion kwacha. He noted it closely follows a similar recent trip by President Peter Mutharika, signalling a troubling pattern within the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration.
In an interview, Msonda contextualized the criticism against a backdrop of urgent national crises. He highlighted a critical foreign exchange shortage, delays in the procurement of the staple maize for the National Food Reserve Agency, and persistent fuel shortages. “Such trips will only worsen the situation,” Msonda asserted, arguing that the government’s priorities are misaligned with the plight of ordinary Malawians.
“The DPP administration will not help the country solve its challenges,” Msonda contended. “They are taking Malawians back to various woes.” The criticism frames the Vice President’s travel not merely as a question of expenditure but as a symbol of a government perceived as out of touch during a period of economic strain.
There has been no immediate comment from the Office of the Vice President or the DPP regarding the specific allegations of wastefulness. The silence from official channels has left the opposition’s condemnation standing without rebuttal, fueling further political contention over fiscal responsibility and leadership.
