LILONGWE—The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has issued a scathing rebuke against the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) and the Ministry of Energy, accusing both institutions of operating under a “veil of secrecy” as the country continues to grapple with crippling fuel shortages, erratic water supply, and persistent power blackouts.
In a strongly worded statement signed by HRDC National Chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa and National Coordinator Kelvin Chirwa, the coalition said the energy crisis has gone beyond mere inconvenience, becoming a full-blown violation of citizens’ rights to basic services and dignity.
“For over a month now, the nation has been plunged into an avoidable crisis,” the statement reads. “What we are witnessing is not just administrative failure, but a serious breach of fundamental human rights — the right to an adequate standard of living, access to basic services, and the right to dignity as guaranteed under our Constitution and international human rights instruments.”
The coalition faulted the authorities for failing to communicate transparently with the public, instead feeding citizens with “half-truths, conflicting statements, and empty promises.”
“The silence and evasion only deepen public frustration and erode trust in government institutions,” HRDC warned, calling the situation a test of government’s commitment to accountability and good governance.
The group reminded the Ministry of Energy and MERA that access to essential services like fuel, water, and electricity is not a privilege but a human right — a right that the state has a duty to uphold and protect.
“The government must uphold the principles of accountability, good governance, and transparency in addressing this crisis,” the statement added.
HRDC also dismissed official explanations linking the ongoing fuel shortage to post-election disturbances in Tanzania, saying such excuses have become “unconvincing and outdated.”
“While Malawians are told to be patient, there appears to be no coherent plan or leadership to resolve the situation,” the coalition said. “The government’s continued attempts to blame the unrest in Tanzania are no longer credible, as those disturbances have long subsided — yet the crisis in Malawi persists with no visible improvement.”
The HRDC said the prolonged scarcity is the product of poor planning, lack of transparency, and failure to prioritize the energy sector, rather than external factors.
As queues at service stations grow longer and water taps run dry in many homes, the coalition has urged the government to act with urgency and honesty.
“A hungry man does not listen to reason, and a people kept in the dark will one day light their own fire,” the statement seemed to warn, reminding authorities that patience has limits — and accountability, once lost, is difficult to regain.
