Peter Mutharika was sworn in for a second term as president of Malawi on Saturday, vowing to stamp out corruption and rebuild a shattered economy.
The 85-year-old leader won more than 56 percent of the vote in last month’s election, defeating outgoing president Lazarus Chakwera, who secured 33 percent.
The September 16 poll marked the fourth time the two rivals faced off.
The inauguration ceremony drew thousands to the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, where crowds dressed in the blue and white of Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party cheered as he took the oath of office. The event was attended by senior government officials and several African heads of state.
In a sober inaugural address, Mutharika painted a grim picture of the country’s finances, saying he was inheriting “an economy in crisis.” Malawi, one of the world’s poorest nations, is grappling with food shortages, high inflation, and a severe foreign exchange crunch that has disrupted businesses and led to chronic fuel scarcity.
“There is no money in government. Borrowing is extremely high, and nobody knows where the borrowed money has gone,” he said, pledging to “fix the country” through tough reforms rather than populist promises. “I don’t promise you milk and honey. I promise you hard work, tough and painful decisions. The honeymoon of looting government is over.”
Mutharika also appealed to international partners for renewed support, noting plans to send a delegation to Washington to discuss cooperation with the United States following aid reductions.
In a conciliatory message, Chakwera’s Malawi Congress Party said the outgoing leader wished Mutharika good health and success, despite skipping the ceremony.
The president now faces the daunting task of restoring public trust and reviving an economy that many Malawians say has been pushed to the brink.
