Malawi's President Bans Self and Cabinet from International Travel

 President of Malawi, Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, has banned himself and other public officials from international travel, in a bid to cut costs in the country. The President in a nationwide broadcast, announced that these measures which were taken as tough measures to heal Malawi's tough economy, would remain in effect until the end of the financial year in March 2024, he also instructed all ministers currently abroad, to return home.

Read Also: Full List By Region: 22 Appeal Court Judges Nominated To The Supreme Court

In addition to travel restrictions, President Chakwera also ordered a 50% reduction in fuel allowances for ministers, principal secretaries, directors, and senior officers adding that the practice of spending taxpayers’ money on useless activities in the form of allowances should be put to an end. He further stated that the budget cuts, including the reduction in fuel allowances, will be redirected towards procuring food and fertilizer to ensure food security in the country. All of these seemingly stringent measures follow a huge devaluation of the Kwacha (Malawi's currency) as the country secures a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to boost its ailing economy.