Malawi President Bans Foreign Travels for Govt Officials

Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera has suspended all international travels for all government officials including himself

The President of Malawi Lazarus Chakwera has suspended all international travels for all government officials including himself.

President Chakwera who gave this directive in a televised address stated that the move is aimed at saving money and to heal the nation’s economy.

He stated that the measures would remain in place until the end of the financial year in March 2024.

Likewise, the move follows a recent huge decrease in the Kwacha, Malawian currency a challenge to the country’s economy.

The Malawian government also recently secured a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to boost its ailing economy.

Furthermore, President Chakwera, ordered all ministers currently abroad to return home, noting that all necessary travels must go through his office during the period of travel suspension.

Malawi's President Bans Foreign Travels for Himself, Govt Officials — Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera and Government Officials on 6th June 2023.PHOTO/Malawi PCS

“Any travel deemed absolutely necessary by anyone during that period must be submitted to my office for my personal authorization,” Chakwera said.

Also Read: Cholera Kills Over 1,200 in Malawi, Threatens Neighbours: WHO

Chakwera also noted that fuel allowances for senior government officials have been cut by 50%.

Malawi’s Grapple with Kwacha

Malawi’s economy has been undergoing turbulent times, characterized by an acute shortage of petrol and diesel, as well as high inflation.

Worth noting is that Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world, has significantly decreased the value of the kwacha in relation to the US currency twice in a row of 18 months

According to reports, the country’s currency first depreciated in May 2022 to prop up dwindling foreign currency reserves, pressured by rising commodity prices and declining dollar revenue from tobacco exports.

Kenya President’s Controversial Foreign Trips

However, back in Kenya, the presidential foreign trips sparked controversy among many citizens.

Vihiga Governor Godfrey Osotsi in late October 2023 appeared on a local show, arguing that Ruto should only travel when necessary.

Additionaly, the governor insisted that the president should leave the rest to his cabinet secretaries to represent him.

According to the legislator, President Ruto is reported to have made thirty-eight trips to foreign countries since taking office in September 2022.

Ruto is said to have visited forty-five cities in thirty-eight countries over the course of 83 days.

Besides complaints by a section of leaders and netizens, the government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura defended the travels noting that they have earned the country Ksh 2trillion.

Ruto Defends His Foreign Trips

Likewise, Ruto while responding to critics said his job as the president entailed travelling to various countries.

The head of state said he is the sole ambassador of Kenya and was travellimgto other countries to seek employment opportunities for Kenyans.

“There are people who are complaining and questioning why I keep going on these different trips. That is what my job entails as the president of Kenya. I am the chief agent of this country.

Also Read: Ruto Responds to Critics Over Foreign Travels

Worth noting, this contrasts with his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, who is said to have visited fifty-three countries during his 10-year tenure.

He even claimed that some of Ruto’s government-to-government deals in foreign countries, such as the fuel deal with Saudi Arabia, have not benefited Kenyans but have instead increased the cost of living.

“Maybe a few of these trips are yielding fruits as they say but he doesn’t need to travel. He has a foreign minister and a minister for trade who can travel to some of these things,” Osotsi noted.