MALAWI’S opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has demanded an explanation for President Peter Mutharika’s prolonged stay in South Africa, questioning the government’s response to mounting economic challenges as fuel shortages, power cuts and shortages of essential medicines continue to affect citizens. Mutharika, 86, left Malawi on October 6 for what government officials described as a private visit, marking his fifth trip to South Africa since returning to office in October 2025. The absence, which had entered its third week by October 23, has prompted the opposition to call on First Vice-President Jane Ansah to address the nation and reassure citizens that the government is responding to the country’s economic difficulties. MCP campaign director Moses Kunkuyu told journalists in Lilongwe that...