Malawi’s new president, Peter Mutharika, has distributed food aid to households battling hunger in Machinga district, criticizing current leaders for abandoning the people.

“I took a moment to express solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Machinga district, who are enduring the unimaginable ordeal of hunger – a deprivation of the fundamental right to life, as enshrined in our constitution,” said Professor Mutharika.

The former president said he was shocked by the desperation of people forced to rely on buffalo beans, an inedible option for humans, as a last resort to survive.

“What I witnessed in Machinga today is a clear indication that the current leadership has abandoned the people,” Mutharika said.

Malawi faces a serious food security crisis, with more than 2 million people in need of assistance.

Mutharika, also the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate for the 2025 elections, pledged to prioritize food security.

“Let’s bring back proven leadership that puts people first. Malawians, together we can build a future where hunger is a thing of the past,” he urged.

The Malawi government has yet to comment on Mutharika’s criticism.