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Malawi’s Free Election Campaign Readiness Questioned Amidst Recent Political Incidents

The Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) says the country is not fully prepared to conduct a free and fair campaign period, citing recent events that the organisation believes undermine the democratic process.

The organization’s assessment comes in light of recent violence, believed to have been fuelled by political differences.

“Considering the recent events that have occurred in the country, we would say that, as a country, we are probably not yet ready to have a truly free and fair election,” explained Denis Mwafulirwa, CHRR Programs Officer, in an interview.

Denis Mwafulirwa, CHRR Programs officer

“When we talk about a free and fair election, we are also looking at whether people are free to express themselves in a way that is not disrupted, whether by the state or by any other actor, operating independently or under influence. Looking at the incidents that have happened, I would say that as a country, we are still not ready.”

Mwafulirwa’s remarks come as the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is set to launch the official campaign period for the September 16 general elections on July 14, 2025.

According to Mwafulirwa, the incidents witnessed recently suggest a shortfall in this fundamental aspect of electoral freedom.

“Looking at the incidents that have happened, I would say that as a country we are still not ready,” he reiterated.

He emphasized the critical role of political leaders and parties, as well as institutions entrusted with maintaining safety and security, including the Malawi Police Service and the Malawi Defence Force. He urged them to ensure they are helping to create an environment that is free for all.

“Looking at how political leaders themselves, and political parties themselves, have handled situations like this, including those institutions mandated to provide safety and security, the Malawi Police, the Malawi Defence Force, we are in a situation where we need to ask ourselves what we need to do to make sure that the upcoming elections, especially the campaign, create an environment that is free and fair for everyone,” he urged.

The country has been grappling with political violence, with various incidents recorded, mostly among major political parties, as the September 16 general elections draw closer.

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Empowering Women, Transforming Communities: Teresian Sisters Uplift Lives Across Malawi

In a remarkable display of solidarity and service, the Congregation of Teresian Sisters in Malawi have renewed their commitment to uplift Catholic women across the country by equipping them with transformative life skills through their ongoing Women Liberation Project, the sisters are fostering self-reliance, environmental stewardship, and community cohesion in all dioceses nationwide.

Project Coordinator Sister Teleza Mulenga voiced her satisfaction with the momentum of the initiative across dioceses and emphasized the importance of strategic evaluation.

“I am so impressed with the reports on what these women are doing in their dioceses. Regarding the challenges they’ve outlined, we are going to sit down and see how we can move forward,” she affirmed.

Project Coordinator Sister Teleza Mulenga also received her certificate from MBS Officer
Sr. Teleza Mulenga (L) receiving her certificate from MBS Officer

Speaking during a plenary meeting with representatives from the Catholic Women’s Association (CWA), Sister Colleta Bester, Superior Mother General of the Teresian Sisters, expressed her deep satisfaction with how women have embraced and applied their new skills in local communities.

“We are happy with how women are using the knowledge gained. We are now planning to work with more sister’s congregations to reach every corner of Malawi,” she said.

Teresian Sisters mother Superior General, Sr Colleta Bester, presenting a certificate to one of the trainees from Dzaleka Refugees camp
Sr. Colleta Bester (R) presenting a certificate to one of the trainees from Dzaleka Refugees camp

Over 4,000 women have now been trained face-to-face, while 230 women have been certified as trainers, enabling ripple effects throughout their communities.

Reports from Karonga, Mangochi dioceses, and Archdiocese of Lilongwe highlight training of women in various skills where Karonga diocese has managed to traing about 3200 women.

In Dedza Diocese, 1,500 trees have been planted with the help of Bishop Adrian Chifukwa who provided land to these women in also responding to late Pope Francis letter “Laudato Si,” in taking care of the environment.

Dioceses like Mzuzu, Zomba, Archdiocese of Blantyre and Chikwawa diocese are leading the way in inclusive training, involving men in efforts to combat gender-based violence and promote economic self-sufficiency.

CWA representatives from dioceses attending the plenary meeting
CWA representatives from dioceses attending the plenary meeting

During the certificate award presentations to the trainers, Donex Msowoya, Senior Quality Monitoring Officer from Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS), assured continued support in guiding women to meet market requirements.

“We’ll continue providing knowledge and skills to ensure these women produce quality goods that can always compete at the market.”

MBS senior quality monitoring officer Donex Msowoya presenting the certificates to the trainers
Msowoya presenting the certificates to the trainers

CWA National Chairperson, Christina Lakiyoni, encouraged women nationwide to join such initiatives, stressing that training is the first step towards independence.

“We call on women to rise, take part, and transform their families and communities.”

The partnership between the Teresian Sisters and Catholic Women’s Association in all dioceses is more than a project. It’s a movement. One that’s empowering thousands of Malawian women to take charge of their future, uplift their communities, and nurture a more equitable society.

Women singing, enjoying their fruits of making soap and body lotion
Women singing, enjoying their fruits of making soap and body lotion

Through the project, the women are being trained in soap and body lotion making, fertilizer making from urine, charcoal briquettes crafting, Gender-based violence education, tree planting and environmental conservation.

soap and body lotion
Soap and Body Lotion
charcoal briquettes
Charcoal Briquettes

By Titus Jata Phiri

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Tiwale Limodzi Foundation: A Trusted Avenue for Community Change, Says Bishop Mwakhwawa

Following the successful launch of the Tiwale Limodzi Foundation, the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe‘s commitment to assisting marginalized communities was strongly reaffirmed in an interview with the Auxiliary Bishop, His Lordship Vincent Mwakhwawa.
Peter Dumayo from Radio Alinafe Official , under the archdiocese’s Communications Department, spoke with Bishop Mwakhwawa about the significance of this new initiative.
Bishop Mwakhwawa expressed immense joy and excitement at the foundation’s establishment, calling it a “tool, a vehicle, a ministry” designed to “raise resources from well-wishers, people who have the heart to share, people who want to bring a change to people’s lives, people who want to do charity.”
His Lordship emphasized that the foundation will collect these resources and distribute them to those in need, while also supporting existing departments and commissions within the archdiocese, such as health, education, and justice and peace initiatives.
When Peter asked him about the archdiocese’s commitment to the marginalized, Bishop Mwakhwawa stated that the Archdiocese “is committed, that’s why we have created this foundation.”
He explained that the foundation provides an “organized way of doing our charity work,” moving from commissions working independently to a unified approach. “For us to reach out to those who are in need and be able to do development and change people’s lives, we need to be organized ourselves,” he added.
The bishop also revealed that the foundation is a direct response to insights gathered during the recent Synod of Lilongwe process (2020-2023), where communities extensively discussed their struggles.
“People in Miphakati, in the Small Christian Communities, were discussing, they told us stories about how some people in the Small Christian Communities are struggling with life, and we cannot just sit quiet. We need to respond to this,” he explained.
Bishop Mwakhwawa highlighted the need for a more effective way to mobilize resources, as existing commissions, while active, sometimes operated independently.
“This foundation is like a mother who will be looking for resources and be able to implement and give it to the communities to support them,” he said.
Crucially, Bishop Mwakhwawa also addressed the issue of trust among potential donors.
“We also know people want credible organizations to get their money, to receive their money,” he noted. “Many Malawians want to support, but they don’t know which credible organizations to trust. So, this foundation is one of the trusted ways. It’s founded by the Catholic Church, but it’s run by professionals.”
The Tiwale Limodzi Foundation is set to become a central pillar of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe’s social outreach, aiming to bring organized, impactful, and trustworthy support to those most in need.
📸📝: Eric Norman Mkwaira
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Monsignor Chinkanda Urges Christians at Mtima Woyera Parish to Be Instruments of Peace

Monsignor Henry Chinkanda has called on Christians at Mtima Woyera Parish to be instruments of peace both in their communities and across the country, drawing inspiration from the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ.

In his homily during a Mass celebration at the Parish, celebrating their Patron Sacred Heart of Jesus, Monsignor Chinkanda commended the faithful for choosing the Sacred Heart of Jesus as their patron.

He emphasized that every Christian should reflect inwardly and ask themselves whether their heart is pure and whether they contribute peace in their surroundings.

“Today, we must ask ourselves: is my heart pure? What are the things I need to let go of in my life in order to have a clean heart and become a bringer of peace in my life and also to the others.”

Monsignor Chimkanda also urged Christians to pray for peace as Malawi prepares for its upcoming elections.

Meanwhile, Parish Priest for Mtima Woyera, father Innocent Mtapaonga, encouraged unity among the faithful in all parish affairs.

“We have heard much from Monsignor Chinkanda’s homely. Let us take his teachings seriously and strive to bring peace wherever we are even within our Parish.”

Parish Priest for Mtima Woyera, father Innocent Mtapaonga
Rev. Fr. Innocent Mtapaonga, Parish Priest for Mtima Woyera

In his remarks, deputy Vice Chairperson for the Parish Joseph Mwanoka also appealed to parishioners to be selfless and united in supporting the Parish’s growth and development activities.

“As a Parish, we have visions and development goals, such as buying a Parish bus and implementing other projects. For us to achieve these, we must work hand-in-hand and reflect on Monsignor Chinkanda’s message.”

Deputy Vice Chairperson for Mtima Woyera Parish Joseph Mwanoka
Mr. Joseph Mwanoka, the Deputy Vice Chairperson for Mtima Woyera Parish

The Parish community celebrated the feast day with joyful singing, traditional dances, sale of assorted goods, and shared meals, highlighting their unity as one spiritual family.

By Titus Jata Phiri

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Maula Cathedral’s Special Tea with Archbishop Paves Way for Children’s Congress

The Catholic Church in Malawi has today, 28th June 2025, hosted a highly anticipated “Special Tea with Archbishop,” fundraising event which has successfully rallied support for the nation’s very first National Children’s Congress, set to take place from July 30th to August 4th, 2025, at Don Bosco Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

The event, organized by the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB), through the Pontifical Mission Societies, highlighted the Church’s renewed focus on its youngest members.

Speaking after the event, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, His Grace George Desmond Tambala explained that bishops, recognizing the Church’s growth among children, decided it was time to prioritize them.

Archbishop Tambala has interestingly said that the idea for a children’s congress didn’t just come from the top, but it was a plea from the children themselves.

His Grace shared that children across various parishes and dioceses had specifically asked for their own time to pray and reflect on their faith and that the congress is the Church’s direct answer to this “cry and request,” and it’s just the beginning of many more such events to come.

Archbishop Tambala being welcomed by the secretary general of MCCB, Rev. Fr. Valeriano Mtseka
Archbishop Tambala being welcomed by the Secretary General of MCCB, Rev. Fr. Valeriano Mtseka

Archbishop Tambala also issued a heartfelt appeal to parents to accompany the children and urging them to attend, emphasizing that children want to express their faith in front of their parents and church leaders which he stressed, would encourage and strengthen the children in their faith.

“Come in your numbers, big numbers and accompany the children,” Archbishop Tambala implored.

In his remarks, the Director of Pontifical Mission Societies in Malawi, Father Peter Madeya, underscored the financial need for the congress.

“For this Congress to take place we need resources,” he stated, urging parents to provide financial support to make the July event a reality.

Fr. Madeya addressing the gathering
Fr. Madeya addressing the gathering

He has highlighted that the congress is vital for strengthening children’s faith, preparing them to “defend the Church and also can defend the society.”

The funds raised today at Maula Cathedral are essential as they’ll cover the logistics for the Children’s Congress, which will teach participants about faith, values, and critical issues like human trafficking and cyberbullying.

By Eric Norman Mkwaira

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Flanders-Funded OXFAM Project Empowers Kasungu Farmers

A three-year agricultural project, spearheaded by OXFAM in collaboration with partners CADECOM and CICOD, Catholic Development Commission and Circle for Integrated Community Development respectively, has significantly transformed the lives of smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, in Kasungu district.

The “Enhancing Access to Profitable and Inclusive Agriculture Markets for Small Holder Farmers in Kasungu District Project” has left behind a powerful legacy of increased yields, enhanced market access, and profound economic empowerment.

Evelyn Phonela, from the Chilinkhunda cooperative, says that the project has helped her become independent as they are now able to save and access markets more easily.

Evelyn Phonela making a presentation on how the project has helped her cooperative

Evelyn has highlighted how the program empowered women with gender awareness training, enabling them to “stand up strong just like men do.”

She has proudly recounted purchasing a motorbike, a direct benefit from her increased earnings, and lauded the introduction of village banking, which has improved financial literacy and access to loans.

Alfred Banda and Evelyn Phonela

Alfred Banda, ADC Chairperson and a young farmer from Santhe EPA, explained how the initiative empowered young people to collaborate with successful agriculturalists.

Alfred says that the provision of warehouses through the project, has allowed them (farmers) to store produce and seek better markets for value-added goods.

Alfred Banda
Alfred Banda explains how the youth have been helped in Agricultural business

He has noted how farming, previously seen as less stable, now provides vital income for school fees and other essentials for youth.

“The project has also equipped us with skills, and this will remain with us forever,” Alfred affirmed.

In her remarks, Director of Agriculture Environmental and Natural Resources in Kasungu district, Evelyn Chima, has emphasized the project’s enduring influence despite its conclusion.

“We don’t believe that it has come to an end, because the activities which they have been supporting the farmers are living,” Chima stated, referring to the lasting knowledge, improved techniques, and crucial infrastructure now in the hands of the farmers.

DAECC EXIT MEETING PRESENTATION25TH JULY 2025
DAECC Exit Meeting in Progress in Kasungu on 25 July 2025

On the other hand, Madalitso Chilalire, the Acting Secretary for CADECOM, confirmed the project’s success in meeting its objectives, including the significant achievement of advocating for the Cooperatives Act, now approved by the cabinet.

He believes that this policy change will simplify cooperative registration and improve access to formal markets by empowering district councils.

The funding for this impactful initiative was generously provided by the Government of Flanders.