By Burnett Munthali
Former president Lazarus Chakwera has warned that deepening mistrust within the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is steadily eroding the organisation’s unity and weakening its public standing.
In his first public appearance since leaving office in October last year, Chakwera stressed that any political party hoping to regain national confidence must first put its internal affairs in order.
He told supporters that no organisation can credibly seek the trust of citizens when it struggles to maintain trust among its own members.
Chakwera described the turbulence currently facing the MCP as a defining moment, saying it should be embraced as an opportunity for honest reflection rather than a cause for panic.
He stated that Malawians have already sent a clear message through the ballot box, showing that they desired different leadership, and urged the party to interrogate the reasons behind that shift.
Chakwera emphasised that the loss of public confidence was not accidental, but a sign that the MCP must look inward and address the cracks that have emerged over time.
He said he remains committed to guiding the party through this period of introspection and rebuilding, despite no longer holding the office of president.
Chakwera encouraged party members to close ranks, rebuild trust, and recommit themselves to the values that originally earned the MCP the support of Malawians.
He urged followers to learn from the past, abandon factionalism, and focus on restoring unity and purpose so that the party can once again stand as a strong and credible force in national politics.
The former president concluded by reminding supporters that the MCP’s survival and future success depend not on blame or bitterness, but on solidarity, sincerity, and a renewed commitment to serving the nation.
