Malawi opposition demands answers over President Peter Mutharika's prolonged stay in South Africa

Malawi President Peter Mutharika, 86, has been in South Africa since 6 October on a trip officials have described as private; it is his fifth visit there this year. The opposition Malawi Congress Party is demanding an explanation as the country faces fuel and medicine shortages, power cuts and economic difficulties. MCP campaign director Moses Kunkuyu urged Vice-President Jane Ansah to address the public and clarify who is managing the country’s affairs. Information Minister Shadric Namalomba said Mutharika remained in charge and defended the private nature of the trip.