By Burnett Munthali
Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Malawi have raised their voices, urging Illovo Sugar Malawi to suspend the exportation of sugar amidst the ongoing hunger crisis facing many Malawians.
The CSOs argue that it is morally indefensible for the company to continue prioritizing exports when local shelves remain empty and the population is battling with the scarcity of this essential commodity.
They say the hunger situation, worsened by the effects of climate change and economic challenges, has put millions of Malawians at risk, making access to basic foodstuffs, including sugar, increasingly difficult.
At a press briefing held in Lilongwe, representatives from several CSOs emphasized that Illovo’s decision to continue exporting sugar while the local market suffers smacks of corporate irresponsibility.
They called on the company to show compassion and patriotism by temporarily halting exports until the domestic supply stabilizes and Malawians can afford and access sugar without difficulty.
The CSOs further noted that the scarcity of sugar on the local market is fuelling price hikes, making the commodity unaffordable for many poor households.
They demanded that the government step in to regulate the supply chain and ensure that companies operating in Malawi serve the interests of the people first.
The group cited the constitutional obligation of both the government and corporations to uphold the right to food and adequate nutrition, which they say is currently being violated.
Illovo Sugar Malawi, a major player in the country’s sugar industry, has yet to issue a formal response to these demands.
Meanwhile, consumers across the country have been lamenting the unavailability of sugar in shops and the steep prices in places where it is found.
The CSOs warned that failure by Illovo to act could prompt nationwide protests and stronger forms of civic action to defend the rights and dignity of Malawians.
They also urged Parliament and relevant ministries to summon the company and demand accountability for what they called an act of economic sabotage.
In addition, they encouraged the Malawian public to pressure both Illovo and government officials through petitions and social media campaigns to force a resolution.
The CSOs reiterated that food security should not be compromised in pursuit of profit, especially during times of national hardship.
They vowed to continue monitoring the situation and advocating for policies that protect Malawians from exploitation by both local and foreign-owned companies.
