Public left in the dark as Mutharika departs

Malawians have been left without the usual official communication after President Arthur Peter Mutharika reportedly departed for South Africa on Tuesday on what is understood to be a private visit.

Unlike previous occasions when the sitting President has travelled outside the country, the government had not, by Tuesday evening, issued a statement confirming his departure or explaining the nature of the trip, a move that has sparked public questions over the break from established practice.

Traditionally, the Chief Secretary to the Government, Justin Saidi, issues a formal statement whenever the President leaves Malawi, whether for an official assignment or a private visit. The communication informs the public of the destination and purpose of the trip.

However, no such statement had been released by the time of publication.

Earlier on Tuesday, MBC Digital briefly published a report indicating that the President had left the country before the post was later removed without explanation.

Zodiak Television also reported that Mutharika had travelled to South Africa but did not provide details about the circumstances surrounding the visit.

The absence of official communication marks a departure from long-standing government practice, under which the public is routinely informed whenever the Head of State travels outside Malawi, regardless of whether the visit is official or private.

As of Tuesday evening, the government had not commented on the President’s reported departure or the reasons behind the lack of the customary announcement.