# Malawi opposition seeks update on Mutharika’s extended South Africa stay

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/malawi-opposition-demands-answers-over-presidents-prolonged-stay-abroad/
- Published: 2026-10-23T10:36:01+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-23T10:52:18+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC World (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmx28en5wkypo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Africa, Government, Politics, World

## Key points

- Opposition seeks reassurance about who is governing Malawi.
- Mutharika has made five South Africa trips this year.
- Fuel, electricity, medicine and currency shortages are worsening pressure.

## Summary

Malawi’s opposition has called for clarity over President Peter Mutharika’s extended stay in South Africa, arguing that people need reassurance about who is managing the country as economic pressures mount. The dispute has drawn attention to the president’s repeated trips abroad and the limited public information about them.

Mutharika, 86, left Malawi on 6 October for what officials called a private visit, his fifth trip to South Africa this year. The opposition Malawi Congress Party wants Vice-President Jane Ansah to address the nation on fuel shortages, power cuts, medicine shortages and access to foreign currency. Information Minister Shadric Namalomba says Mutharika remains in control; officials have also rejected social media reports that he travelled to India for medical treatment.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.