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Malawi vice-president's UK trip draws criticism
Malawi is facing a wave of public anger over a planned post-Christmas trip to the UK by Vice-President Jane Ansah, despite the government's recent austerity measures. The controversy centers on the reported size of her delegation and the trip's cost, which her office has denied.
Controversy over delegation size and costs
The dispute erupted after an alleged leaked letter, purportedly from Foreign Affairs Secretary Chauncy Simwaka, surfaced. The document listed 15 individuals set to accompany Ansah, including two accountants, four security personnel, three assistants, and other officials. Malawian media later reported that the trip could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, citing additional leaked documents.
Ansah's office confirmed the trip but dismissed the circulated cost estimates as inaccurate. In a statement, her press secretary, Richard Mveriwa, denied the documents' authenticity, stating they did not reflect official records or approved expenditures. He emphasized the vice-president's commitment to transparency and accountability while condemning the spread of false information.
"These documents did not originate from any government institution and do not reflect official records or approved government expenditures. The Office of the Vice President remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of public resources, and strongly condemns the deliberate spread of false information intended to mislead the public."
Richard Mveriwa, Press Secretary to the Vice-President
Austerity measures and public backlash
The trip, scheduled to begin on 26 December, has been criticized for contradicting the government's own austerity rhetoric. President Peter Mutharika, who won September's election alongside Ansah, pledged to manage the economy prudently and avoid excessive spending. His administration has already announced cuts to domestic and international travel for senior officials, framing these measures as necessary for fiscal discipline.
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), a Malawian rights group, described the delegation's size as "deeply troubling," particularly since the trip is labeled private but appears to rely on public funds. The HRDC accused the government of applying a "double standard," urging citizens to endure hardship while exempting leaders from the same principles.
"While Malawians are continuously urged to tighten their belts, endure hardship and accept reduced public services in the name of fiscal discipline, senior political leaders appear to exempt themselves from these very principles."
Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC)
Government promises and public skepticism
During his inauguration, Mutharika promised a government that would not serve as a "feast" for officials and supporters. He vowed to prioritize economic stability and responsible governance, positioning his administration as a departure from the previous leadership under Lazarus Chakwera. However, the vice-president's upcoming trip has fueled skepticism about the government's commitment to these pledges.
The HRDC called on authorities to clarify the trip's funding and ensure alignment with the stated austerity measures. As of now, Ansah's office has not addressed the delegation's size or provided further details on the trip's arrangements.
