Addressing a large gathering of dignitaries, supporters, and citizens, President Mutharika delivered a powerful inaugural speech, setting a stern tone for his administration. He issued a strong warning to public officers and officials from his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), emphasizing that the era of exploiting the country’s resources for personal gain had come to an end. “The honeymoon of looting is now over,” Mutharika declared with unwavering conviction. “You are now dealing with a different president. I will not allow anyone to destroy this country under my watch. Whoever will be involved in corrupt practices, I will go after them. I have come to bring sanity and restore discipline in all sectors of government.”
Mutharika’s remarks underscored his commitment to tackling corruption, a persistent challenge that has plagued Malawi’s governance and hindered its development. His promise to pursue those engaged in corrupt practices resonated with many Malawians who have long demanded accountability and transparency from their leaders. The new president’s emphasis on restoring discipline across government sectors signaled his intent to implement reforms aimed at strengthening institutions and fostering a culture of integrity.
The veteran leader framed his presidency as the dawn of a transformative era for Malawi, a nation he described as being in the midst of a “serious crisis.” Acknowledging the daunting challenges ahead, Mutharika outlined his vision for a comprehensive rescue plan to rebuild the country, which he claimed had been “wantonly destroyed” by mismanagement and economic decline. “Malawi is in the middle of a crisis,” he stated candidly. “I have therefore come with a comprehensive rescue plan that would help to rebuild this nation. It won’t be easy. It’s going to be very tough. I therefore don’t promise you milk and honey. I promise you hard work and patience.”
Mutharika’s call for hard work and patience was a sobering reminder of the arduous journey ahead for Malawi, a landlocked country that has faced persistent economic challenges, including high poverty rates, inflation, and reliance on agriculture. His message was not one of false hope but of collective responsibility, urging Malawians to unite across political divides to restore the nation to a path of economic prosperity. “I urge all of you, irrespective of your party affiliations, to work with me, so that together we can bring back this country on a path of economic prosperity,” he appealed, emphasizing the need for national unity in addressing the country’s challenges.
The journey to Mutharika’s second term was not without controversy. His re-election in 2019 was nullified by Malawi’s Constitutional Court due to “massive irregularities,” a landmark ruling that underscored the judiciary’s role in upholding democratic principles. The court’s decision led to fresh elections in 2020, which saw Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) emerge victorious, ending Mutharika’s first tenure. However, Chakwera’s administration faced its own challenges, including economic difficulties and public discontent, which paved the way for Mutharika’s triumphant return in the 2025 polls.
The September 16 elections saw seven million eligible Malawians cast their votes to elect a new president, members of parliament, and local councilors for the next five years. The presidential race featured seven candidates, but it was widely regarded as a two-horse race between Mutharika and Chakwera, who were the front-runners in a fiercely contested campaign. Mutharika’s landslide victory was a testament to his enduring popularity and the DPP’s strong mobilization efforts, particularly in the southern and eastern regions of the country, where the party enjoys significant support.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by a host of regional leaders and dignitaries, underscoring Malawi’s importance within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Notable attendees included Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo, as well as representatives from other SADC member states. Their presence highlighted the regional solidarity and interest in Malawi’s political transition. Former Malawian presidents Joyce Banda and Bakili Muluzi were also in attendance, adding a layer of historical significance to the event. However, former president Lazarus Chakwera was notably absent, as he was barred from attending the ceremony, a decision that sparked some debate among political observers.
Mutharika’s return to the presidency comes at a critical juncture for Malawi, a nation grappling with a multitude of challenges, including economic instability, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits. His administration will be closely watched as it seeks to implement the promised rescue plan, which is expected to focus on economic revitalization, job creation, and improving public services. Analysts suggest that key priorities for Mutharika’s government will include addressing food insecurity, boosting agricultural productivity, and attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy.
The new president’s emphasis on discipline and accountability is likely to translate into efforts to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms, including reforming public procurement processes and enhancing oversight of government expenditure. Additionally, Mutharika’s call for national unity will be tested as he navigates the polarized political landscape, where opposition parties, including Chakwera’s MCP, remain influential. Building consensus and fostering collaboration across party lines will be crucial for the success of his administration’s agenda.
Mutharika’s experience as a law professor and his previous tenure as president provide him with a deep understanding of Malawi’s governance structures and challenges. However, at 85, questions have been raised about his ability to lead with the vigor required to address the country’s pressing issues. Supporters argue that his wisdom, experience, and determination make him uniquely suited to steer Malawi through its current crisis, while critics caution that his advanced age and past controversies could pose challenges to his leadership.
The international community will also be watching closely, particularly as Malawi seeks to strengthen its position within the SADC region and attract support for its development goals. Mutharika’s foreign policy is expected to focus on deepening regional cooperation and securing partnerships to bolster economic growth. His administration’s ability to deliver on its promises will depend on its capacity to mobilize resources, both domestically and internationally, while maintaining public trust.
As Malawians reflect on the inauguration and the road ahead, there is a palpable sense of hope tempered by realism. Mutharika’s pledge of hard work and patience resonates with a population accustomed to resilience in the face of adversity. The challenges facing Malawi are formidable, but the new president’s resolve to confront them head-on has sparked cautious optimism among citizens. Whether his administration can deliver on its ambitious vision remains to be seen, but for now, the nation stands united in its aspiration for a brighter future under Mutharika’s leadership.
In conclusion, Arthur Peter Mutharika’s inauguration as Malawi’s seventh president marks a significant moment in the country’s political history. His landslide victory and impassioned commitment to rooting out corruption, restoring discipline, and rebuilding the nation have set the stage for a transformative presidency. As Malawi embarks on this new chapter, the collective efforts of its leaders and citizens will be critical in overcoming the crises that have long hindered its progress. With regional support and a clear focus on economic recovery, Mutharika’s administration has the opportunity to redefine Malawi’s trajectory and deliver on the promise of a prosperous and united nation.
