Malawi’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the former ruling party, has issued an apology for accepting a monetary kickback from a company embroiled in a corruption investigation.
The controversy dates back to 2017, when the DPP, still in power, faced accusations of receiving $85,000 (£68,000) from Pioneer Investment in connection with a contentious food rations contract. Former President Peter Mutharika was reportedly the sole signatory to the DPP account at the time.
In a recent statement, the DPP spokesperson, Shadric Namalomba, expressed remorse, stating that the party had returned the funds “out of regret for receiving money which was tainted with these serious allegations.”
Pioneer Investment’s chief is currently facing corruption charges for allegedly inflating the contract amount with the Malawi Police Service for the supply of food rations.
Youth and Society (YAS), a rights group, filed a lawsuit against the DPP and two other parties involved. The DPP, while denying any association with Pioneer Foods, asserted its commitment to abiding by the law.
In 2021, the government took action against Mr. Mutharika, freezing his bank accounts and apprehending some of his party officials on corruption charges.
Mr. Mutharika has accused the current government of politically motivated persecution, while authorities maintain they are upholding legal standards.
In June 2020, Mr. Mutharika lost the presidential election to Lazarus Chakwera, known for his anti-corruption stance. Reports suggest that the former president is contemplating a return to politics in the upcoming 2025 general election.