In a composed yet striking interview with Zodiak Broadcasting Station, AFORD Vice President Timothy Mtambo offered an unexpected endorsement of President Lazarus Chakwera’s leadership, stating that the President has performed commendably during his first term, which concludes on September 16, 2025.
Mtambo, who once served as Minister under Chakwera and previously led the fierce Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) during the anti-DPP protests, offered a rare, honest reflection of the current administration’s performance.
“It’s unfair to say Chakwera’s government has failed,” Mtambo said frankly. “Let’s tell the truth, even when it’s not popular. In infrastructure, in the fight against corruption, in confronting tough issues—this government has shown boldness. Among all past presidents, only Chakwera has had the courage to fire corrupt ministers.”
He reminded Malawians that Chakwera inherited a troubled system burdened by decades of poor production, over-dependence on imports, and a collapsed forex reserve. Add to that global economic shocks, climate disasters, and COVID-19, and the scale of Chakwera’s task becomes clearer.
“This government has not been operating in normal times. If you ignore that context, your judgment is dishonest,” he said.
In typical Mtambo fashion—measured but razor-sharp—he challenged those criticising Chakwera out of frustration or political convenience. “You cannot simply attack a government battling both global and domestic storms without offering context. That’s not analysis; that’s emotion,” he noted.
However, Mtambo did not give Chakwera a free pass. He criticised the President’s choice of communication aides, blaming them for failing to connect with the public or explain government efforts. “Good work means little if people don’t understand it,” he added.
As for his past role in removing Peter Mutharika from power, Mtambo was unapologetic. “I’ll never regret fighting for electoral justice. That fight helped return hope to this nation.”
His voice—once the loudest in protest—is now one of reason, reminding Malawians that leadership must be judged not just by expectations, but by the weight of the storms it survives.
In Mtambo’s words, truth—no matter how uncomfortable—is the first step to healing.
