Malawi’s former president warns that fighting corruption can turn leaders into targets
Former Malawian president Lazarus Chakwera has delivered a clear message from his time in office: trying to fix a broken system is not easy—and it can come back to hurt you.
Speaking about his presidency, Chakwera explained that tackling corruption often creates powerful enemies. In simple terms, when leaders challenge wrongdoing, those benefiting from it push back hard.
Elected in 2020 on a promise to fight corruption, Chakwera quickly found himself dealing with multiple crises. The COVID-19 pandemic, along with repeated natural disasters like cyclones and droughts, put huge pressure on the country’s economy and people’s daily lives. He said every year of his presidency required declaring a national disaster.
Chakwera defended his reform efforts, saying real change takes time and doesn’t always match what people expect right away. While citizens often want quick results, building stronger systems and laws is a slower process.
He also pointed out that sticking to the rule of law can create delays and frustration. For example, legal challenges slowed key anti-corruption appointments, but he insisted on following proper procedures rather than rushing decisions.
Despite losing re-election, Chakwera highlighted something positive: a peaceful election and transfer of power in Malawi. He sees this as proof that democracy can work, even in difficult conditions.
Now leading the opposition, he says he’s not stepping away from public service and may still play a role in the country’s future.
In short: fighting corruption is necessary—but it’s tough, slow, and often comes with political consequences.
Source: Afrıca News
