Update: The opposition Malawi Congress Party has issued a three-day ultimatum for President Peter Mutharika to address the nation regarding the country's severe fuel and foreign exchange crisis, according to Nyasa Times. The political standoff has drawn pushback from governance experts, who accused the party of contributing to the current economic situation during its time in power. The clash follows an admission by government spokesperson Shadric Namalomba that national fuel reserves have run completely dry. While the government continues to pursue a $120 million loan from the African Export-Import Bank to secure supplies, Namalomba warned fuel station owners against hoarding petrol for illegal black market sales, Xinhua and Nyasa Times report.
Update: Tensions surrounding the ongoing Amaryllis Hotel investigation have escalated following new allegations of interference. Nyasa Times reports that Public Accounts Committee Chairperson Malondera has accused Acting Anti-Corruption Bureau Director Chembezi of making threats and peddling influence during the probe. In a related development, a former Reserve Bank of Malawi governor publicly criticized the Public Service Pension Trust Fund board over its involvement in the hotel deal, demanding a full and transparent inquiry.