It sounds like the setup to a political satire, but it’s all too real. Malawi will be without a sitting President — or even an acting one — for three days.
President Lazarus Chakwera jetted off on Monday to Abuja, Nigeria, for a routine Afreximbank meeting — a gathering made notably less prestigious just a week after Fitch downgraded the Cairo-based bank’s credit rating to BBB–, teetering just above junk status. The downgrade cited “high credit risks” and questionable risk management policies — not exactly the kind of résumé that inspires confidence, let alone a presidential appearance.
Vice President Micheal Usi constitutionally designated acting President — but only until 8:10 AM Tuesday. From that moment until 3:00 PM Thursday, neither Chakwera nor Chilima is in the country, and no official has been publicly announced to be in charge. A nation of 20 million is, quite literally, on autopilot.
The irony? President Chakwera, known more for his frequent flyer miles than fiscal restraint, is attending this downgraded bank’s meeting — a bank increasingly unable to attract meaningful financing for its member states. The trip, partially funded by the bank itself, will cost Malawians an estimated US$200,000 (K350 million) in allowances and flights for the President and his entourage.
This marks Chakwera’s 60th international trip, solidifying his status as Malawi’s “Traveller-in-Chief.” And with three more international meetings on his calendar before the September 16 elections, he’s not done just yet.
As for Vice President Usi, he’s on his own flying mission — a three-day visit to Mozambique for its 50th Independence Anniversary. He he is expected to depart Tuesday, the same day his brief tenure as acting President expired.
So, who’s in charge of Malawi until Thursday? That remains a mystery — one that speaks volumes about the seriousness with which the country’s top offices are being treated.
This week we will publish the major trips that have cost the public billions and their impact to Malawi
