The Malawian Parliament is mourning the death of Machinga Mikoko Member of Parliament Jaffalie Mussa, who passed away in Blantyre on Friday, according to an announcement by the Parliament of Malawi. Speaker Sameer Suleman expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the veteran lawmaker, who was serving his third term and had previously held cabinet and diplomatic positions. Mussa was laid to rest in Ntaja, Machinga District, on Saturday.
In a recent policy directive, President Peter Mutharika banned all government medical personnel from owning or operating private clinics and pharmacies to combat corruption, according to The BMJ. The executive order gives health workers 30 days to comply or face dismissal, aiming to stop the practice of public health workers soliciting bribes or redirecting patients to their own private facilities. While welcoming the anti-corruption intent, the Medical Doctors Union of Malawi and the Society of Medical Doctors raised concerns about the potential disruption to essential health services.
On the regional front, Vice President Jane Ansah met with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, wishing him well ahead of Zambia's August 2026 general elections, ZNBC reports. In a separate development, President Mutharika was appointed as the Honorary Patron of the Peace Parks Foundation, according to the organisation. The appointment recognises the Malawian leader's commitment to regional cooperation and the sustainable management of transboundary conservation areas.
Update: Following Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha's presentation of the K10.978 trillion national budget, economic analysts and stakeholders have reacted with cautious optimism, according to Nation Online. The Malawi Economic Justice Network commended the budget's focus on development and the decentralisation of the K1.145 trillion Constituency Development Fund to local councils. Furthermore, the Bankers Association of Malawi praised the government for listening to private sector concerns, specifically highlighting the decision to reduce the capital gains tax on shares from 30 percent to 13 percent.