Update: The Malawian government announced on Friday that it has repatriated 38,094 nationals from South Africa over the past month, according to AFP. The mass evacuation follows weeks of anti-migrant violence and protests targeting foreigners in South Africa. Officials confirmed that six people died due to illness during the exodus, and South African police noted that at least one Malawian was killed in violence linked to the unrest.
Update: A standoff has erupted between the government and Parliament's Public Accounts Committee over the K90 billion Amaryllis Hotel purchase investigation, Nyasa Times reports. The National Advocacy Platform is pressuring lawmakers to release the committee's report before the parliamentary session concludes on July 31. However, Leader of the House Jappie Mhango maintained that the report cannot be tabled until former Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba testifies.
In local development, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ben Malunga Phiri broke ground on a modern two-story market facility in Lilongwe's Area 1 on Thursday, according to Nyasa Times. Funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the project is part of a nationwide initiative to construct seven modern markets aimed at boosting agricultural value addition.
Update: The management dispute over the Mhalaunda Health Centre has concluded after Embangweni Mission Hospital and the CCAP Livingstonia Synod officially departed the facility on Friday, Malawi24 reports. The handover to the government follows a 90-day ultimatum from the Mhalaunda Citizens Forum, which demanded the transition to ensure residents have access to free public healthcare services.
In political developments, Karonga Central MP Frank Mwenifumbo and second vice-president Enock Chihana signaled a public truce in Mzuzu, pausing a prolonged rift over the leadership of the Alliance for Democracy, according to Nyasa Times. Separately in sports administration, Football Association of Malawi president Fleetwood Haiya received a boost for his re-election campaign after Ekhaya FC owner William Mpinganjira confirmed he will not contest the presidency in the upcoming elections, opting instead to focus on his club's growth.