Peter Mutharika has officially been sworn in as the president of Malawi.
The 85-year-old leader secured over 56 percent of votes in the September election, defeating outgoing president Lazarus Chakwera, who garnered 33 percent.
Mutharika, who previously served as president from May 2014 to June 2020, took the oath of office on Saturday at a stadium in Blantyre. The ceremony was attended by government officials and several African heads of state.
In his inaugural address, Mutharika acknowledged that his administration was inheriting a nation in economic distress, plagued by food shortages, high living costs, and a shortage of foreign exchange.
“There is no money in government. Borrowing is extremely high, and nobody knows where the borrowed money has gone,” he said.
He pledged to tackle corruption and rebuild the struggling economy, adding, “We will fix this country. I don’t promise you milk and honey. I promise you hard work, tough and painful decisions. The honeymoon of looting government is over!”
Mutharika also called on the international community for investment support, revealing plans to send a delegation to the United States to discuss potential partnerships following cuts in US foreign aid.
Meanwhile, the Malawi Congress Party of outgoing president Chakwera released a statement noting that, although he did not attend the inauguration, he wished Mutharika success and good health.