This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera has been accused of going back on his electoral promises after appointing a Cabinet dominated by his party and relatives of powerful people.
Chakwera, who came to power last month after defeating former President Peter Mutharika in a re-run of the 2019 presidential elections, has been criticized for his Cabinet appointments.
On July 6, 2020, Chakwera had promised a collective approach to governance, but his Cabinet appointments have sparked allegations of nepotism.
According to critics, 70% of the Cabinet is from Chakwera's stronghold in the central region, and many of the appointees are relatives of powerful families, including that of founding leader Hastings Kamuzu Banda.
Opposition leader Kondwani Nankhumwa described the Cabinet as 'an appeasement Cabinet' and said it will not help end divisions in Malawi.
'This is probably the worst Cabinet that Malawians have ever seen,' Nankhumwa added.
Chakwera has also been criticized for appointing his former running mate Sadiq Mia as Transport minister and his wife Abida as Lands deputy minister.
Law expert Danwoood Chirasa said the new Cabinet did not tally with Chakwera's pre-election promises and accused him of appointing 'crooks and known looters'.
