‘Chakwera’s fall is not just Malawian history, it is a mirror,’ Mwelwa warns Zambia to learn from neighbour’s elections

Political analyst, Dr. Lawrence Mwelwa, has warned that the fall of Malawi’s President, Lazarus Chakwera, serves as a cautionary tale for leaders across Africa, including Zambia.

“In Africa we say, When you see your neighbour’s beard on fire, fetch water for your own. Zambia must watch and learn before it is too late,” Mwelwa said in a statement on Wednesday.

He explained that Chakwera’s alliance “broke apart like a calabash in the sun” following the death of Vice President Saulos Chilima, who had acted as the glue holding it together, saying “When the drummer stops drumming, the dancers scatter.

“Economic pain became the opposition’s best campaigner,” he said, adding, “A hungry stomach has no ears.”

Mwelwa noted that for three years Malawians endured high inflation, fuel shortages, and food insecurity.

“No speech could silence the cry of empty plates,” he said. He added that corruption allegations further eroded trust.

“The hyena that eats alone will face the spears alone. Nepotism, misuse of state resources, and arrogance of power created a perception that the government had betrayed the people’s trust,” Mwelwa stated.

When the ruling party attempted to block election results in court, he argued, it confirmed fears of clinging to power.

“He who fears the verdict of the people hides from the drum,” he said, stressing that leaders must remember power is borrowed, not owned.

“The chief is a servant of the people, not their master. Attempts to capture institutions, silence critics, and weaken democracy will only provoke a stronger backlash,” he warned.

Turning to Zambia, Mwelwa said the country cannot afford to repeat Malawi’s mistakes. “Big harvests and Kwacha stability mean nothing if citizens cannot afford mealie meal. You cannot plaster a cracked pot with speeches. Delivery must match the promise,” he said.

He urged President Hakainde Hichilema and those in authority to remain close to the people.

“The king who eats alone will die alone. Leadership must remain humble, accessible, and accountable — or the people will choose otherwise,” Mwelwa said.

He stated that : “Chakwera’s fall is not just Malawian history — it is a mirror. When you see dust rising on the road, know someone has passed. Zambia must choose whether to walk the path of wisdom or pride.”

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