The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has called on the government to provide what it describes as “credible and verifiable” assurances about President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s ability to carry out his duties, following his extended stay in South Africa.
The call comes after Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Secretary General Peter Mukhito said he met the President in South Africa on 23 October and found him to be in good health.
In a statement issued on Monday, HRDC said the issue went beyond reports from party officials and concerned the public’s right to know that the Head of State remained available and capable of discharging constitutional responsibilities.
“The central issue is not simply whether a party official has met the President. It is whether Malawians have sufficient, verifiable reassurance that their Head of State is available and able to perform the duties entrusted to him under the Constitution,” the organisation said.
According to HRDC, President Mutharika left Malawi on 6 October and has remained outside the country since then.
The coalition said his prolonged stays in South Africa had raised questions about governance and the exercise of executive authority.
The rights group argued that the concerns come at a time when Malawi is facing a range of challenges, including fuel shortages, electricity supply problems, water shortages, unemployment and rising living costs.
HRDC has called on the Office of the President and Cabinet and State House to clarify the nature of the President’s stay in South Africa, indicate when he is expected to return and explain how presidential responsibilities are being exercised during his absence.
The organisation also wants the President to address the nation through a live appearance or another form of independently verifiable communication.
HRDC said it was not demanding the disclosure of private medical information but believed Malawians were entitled to direct communication from the country’s leader.
The coalition further called for transparency over whether public funds have been used to support any aspect of the President’s stay, including travel, accommodation and security arrangements.
At the same time, HRDC distanced itself from unverified claims circulating on social media regarding the President’s health, saying speculation should be addressed through transparency and the provision of credible information.
The organisation stressed that it was not claiming the President was incapacitated, but said any such situation should be handled strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions.
“The most effective way to address speculation is through credible information, transparency and direct engagement with the public,” the statement said.
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