The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has issued a stern seven-day ultimatum to the government, demanding a forensic audit of the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) and immediate transparency over ongoing fuel procurement deals.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday in Lilongwe, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa accused the government of fueling the current fuel shortages through interference, mismanagement, and favoritism.
He warned that if the demands are not met within the stated period, nationwide protests will be inevitable.
“We are giving the authorities seven days to respond to our demands, failing which we will mobilize Malawians to take to the streets,” said Namiwa.
Among the key issues raised, Namiwa revealed that foreign exchange payment delays and preferential treatment of certain suppliers, particularly Gulf Energy, are contributing to the crisis. According to CDEDI, some companies offering fuel at significantly lower prices have been sidelined, raising questions about transparency and accountability in procurement processes.
The watchdog also expressed alarm that fuel was recently procured at nearly three times the price negotiated during a government trip to Dubai, where Malawi had reportedly secured cheaper deals from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
CDEDI further warned that Malawians may soon be forced to pay back almost one trillion kwacha in old debts should the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) go ahead with its proposed repayment plan.
In addition to a forensic audit, CDEDI is demanding a full disclosure of the government-to-government fuel procurement agreements, the disbandment of President Lazarus Chakwera’s fuel procurement committees, which Namiwa claims are contributing to the mess, and the assurance that fuel procurement will be handled transparently moving forward.
“The current crisis is not natural—it is man-made. And it is high time Malawians stood up and defended their right to affordable and accessible fuel,” Namiwa stressed.
(By Fegson Phabuli)
