Pressure mounts on Malawi Congress Party secretary general to quit

Growing discontent within the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has led to fresh calls for the resignation of party secretary general Richard Chimwendo Banda. Party veterans and youths have expressed concerns over his leadership, citing failure to support party members and introduction of fees for members seeking elective positions. These demands come amid the party's preparations for its forthcoming internal elections.

George Kaunda, leader of the Msundwe Freedom Fighters grouping, threatened Chimwendo Banda during an MCP Flag Day and Youth Talk event in Lilongwe. Kaunda accused Chimwendo Banda of destroying the party and its constituencies, and warned that the MCP risked struggling in the 2030 General Election if Chimwendo Banda remained in office. He alleged that unpopular candidates had been imposed on members during party elections.

However, Lilongwe Chilobwe legislator Lawrence Chakakala Chaziya condemned Kaunda's remarks, stressing that disagreements should be resolved through dialogue. Chaziya, who was the guest of honour at the Msundwe event, emphasized the importance of obedience, loyalty, discipline, and unity within the party. He distanced himself from alleged efforts to oust Chimwendo Banda.

Chaziya clarified that his concerns about the management of MCP's rental properties and parliamentary subventions were not allegations of embezzlement, but demands for accountability. He also questioned whether accountability should also extend to the party president, Lazarus Chakwera. By press time, Chimwendo Banda had not responded to questions seeking his reaction to the fresh calls for his resignation.

Political science scholar Gift Sambo noted that the developments pointed to emerging factions within MCP, with members holding differing views on the party's future following its electoral defeat. Sambo's comments were echoed by political analyst Chimwemwe Tsitsi, who said the developments exposed persistent divisions within MCP.

The internal conflicts within MCP come after Chakwera's loss in the September 16, 2025 General Election to President Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party. On October 26, Chakwera told MCP supporters in Blantyre that some members of his Cabinet prioritised personal interests over teamwork, weakening government cohesion and contributing to the electoral defeat.

As the MCP prepares for its internal elections, the party faces challenges in managing its resources and addressing the concerns of its members. The growing divisions within the party may impact its performance in future elections. Key issues, including the introduction of fees for elective positions and alleged imposition of unpopular candidates, remain to be addressed.

Key points

• MCP secretary general Richard Chimwendo Banda faces growing pressure to resign from party veterans and youths.
• The party's internal conflicts come amid preparations for its forthcoming internal elections.
• Disagreements within MCP have exposed persistent divisions following its 2025 electoral defeat.