Image Source: Relief Web
Malawi – Malawian leadership has faced criticism from political observers and journalists for its delayed response to the catastrophic drought that has plunged the southern African nation into a severe hunger crisis. Malawian journalist Ephraim Mkali Banda argued that although the crisis is a natural phenomenon, President Lazarus Chakwera’s slow decision-making has exacerbated the situation.
He stated that the president’s late declaration of a state of emergency earlier this year was a missed opportunity to mobilise timely aid and prevent the situation from worsening, potentially saving more lives.
“We knew at the time we had a calamity in Malawi … It was the particular time the president could have announced that Malawi was in a hunger situation. But, he [announced it too late in 2023] and we could have [saved] some people.”
“You can see that, in most cases, African presidents sometimes [act very slowly] … They just don’t act quickly. They expect something to happen [before they] act.”
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The UNs Appeal for Aid to Assist Malawi
In response to the catastrophic weather conditions affecting Malawians, the UN has urgently appealed for over $130 million in aid. The drought has caused crop damages, affected agricultural production and led to food shortages.
This appeal prioritises assisting districts where drought-related impacts are most severe and where urgent life-saving assistance is most needed. This includes procuring and distributing aid to the most vulnerable populations.
Banda noted that approximately 4.2 million people, or about 20% of the population, are currently suffering from hunger, with the situation continuously deteriorating. Many people in the country cannot afford basic items as inflation continues to skyrocket.
However, he affirmed that aid organisations and their partners are already purchasing essential items from neighbouring countries to assist the people.
“Currently, as we are speaking, some maize has been purchased in Tanzania, a neighbouring country. The maize arrived in the country last week, on Thursday. We are now waiting to see how the distribution will go.”
