Leader of Opposition Simplex Chithyola Banda Lashes Out at DPP Government

Lilongwe, 16 June 2026 — Malawi Congress Party Leader of Opposition Simplex Chithyola Banda has delivered a stinging rebuke to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration, accusing it of dithering over stranded Malawians in South Africa, stoking tribal divisions, and presiding over an economy that is squeezing the life out of ordinary citizens.

In a strongly worded statement issued today, Banda said many Malawians are fed up and feel abandoned as the government appears more focused on internal power games than on solving real problems.

He went straight for the jugular on the slow response to the crisis facing thousands of Malawians displaced in South Africa.

“These are not strangers. These are our brothers and sisters. They are Malawians,” Banda declared. “When citizens are in distress, government has a duty to act decisively. This is not the time for excuses or endless meetings. It is time for a coordinated emergency response that brings our people home safely and restores their dignity.”

A government that cannot stand by its own people in their hour of need, he warned, is busy squandering public trust.

Banda also tackled head-on the controversy sparked by remarks attributed to Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr George Chaponda about Malawians of Ngoni origin. Himself a proud Ngoni, the Leader of Opposition was blunt.

“No Malawian should ever be made to feel like a visitor in their own homeland,” he said. “The Ngoni people are part of the history, identity and development of this country. They belong here just as every other tribe belongs here. Our diversity is not our weakness. It is our strength.”

At a time when Malawians abroad desperately need firm diplomatic backing, Banda added, the country should be rallying around “One Malawi, One People, One Nation” instead of entertaining divisive talk.

The statement did not spare the perceived undermining of the Vice Presidency. Citing the recent commemoration of the late Vice President Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima, Banda said the Office of the Vice President is a creation of the Constitution, not a personal favour from the President.

He warned that public institutionsParliament, police, and oversight bodies are increasingly being dragged into political fights, eroding public confidence

“A mature democracy does not fear criticism. The rule of law must apply equally to everyone.”

On appointments, Banda slammed what he sees as creeping nepotism.

“Public offices do not belong to politicians. They belong to the people of Malawi. Malawi cannot build a prosperous future on patronage.”

But it is the economy that hurts most, he said. Families cannot afford basic food, businesses are starved of foreign exchange, farmers toil for peanuts, and the youth have no jobs.

“Life is becoming harder for ordinary Malawians,” Banda noted, pointing to soaring living costs, fuel prices, and what he called wasteful spending on questionable priorities while hospitals, schools and agriculture suffer.

Despite the sharp attack, Banda left the door open for cooperation.

“Where government acts in the national interest, we will support it. Where government fails the people, we will speak out firmly and fearlessly.”

Malawi, he said, faces a choice.

“We can continue down a path of division, economic hardship and declining public confidence. Or we can choose a different path, one built on unity, accountability, respect for institutions and leadership that puts the people first.”

The statement is bound to ignite fresh political debate as Malawians continue to battle high prices and uncertainty while wondering when real relief will come.