The Islamic Commission for Justice and Freedom (ICJF) has commended President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government for what it describes as notable achievements during its first year in office.
In a statement assessing the government’s performance from September 16, 2025 to September 16, 2026, the ICJF said it had observed changes in the management of government and credited the administration with progress in several areas.
Chief Commissioner of the Islamic Commission for Justice and Freedom Shaib Rahman Ajassie said the decision to maintain a lean Cabinet had helped reduce government expenditure, while a reduction in local and international travel by Cabinet ministers and senior government officials had also contributed to savings.
Ajassie further cited what it described as a reduction in the price of maize, saying a 50-kilogramme bag had fallen from K100,000 in 2025 to K40,000 in 2026.
The organisation also said prices of various commodities had stabilised, with some goods that were previously expensive becoming more affordable.
On governance and human rights, the organisation said it had observed improvements in respect for human rights.
The ICJF also praised President Mutharika’s appointments to various positions, saying regional considerations had not been used in selecting individuals for public positions.
The organisation further highlighted the establishment of free secondary education and the introduction of a Digital ID, which it said would not expire, as among the government’s achievements.
On infrastructure development, the ICJF said the Ministry of Transport had embarked on rehabilitating damaged roads and constructing new ones across the country.
It cited the Makanjira road project in Mangochi District, including the planned construction of nine bridges, as an example of ongoing infrastructure development.
The organisation also said efforts were underway to address electricity blackouts and prevent fuel shortages.
“Our President has tried in many areas. We know that not all problems can be completely solved in one year,” the ICJF said.
Despite its assessment of the government’s achievements, the organisation has urged the administration to address several challenges facing Malawians.
The ICJF called on government to find solutions to the shortage of foreign currency, which it identified as one of the issues requiring urgent attention.
It also urged government to ensure that fertiliser is available and affordable, particularly for people in rural areas.
The organisation further called for financial lending institutions targeting farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs to establish offices closer to rural communities to improve access to loans.
On governance, the ICJF urged government to strengthen the performance of civil servants and public institutions in order to close loopholes that could facilitate corruption.
The organisation has also called on opposition political parties to support efforts aimed at running the country.
The ICJF said political parties should work together in the interest of Malawians, arguing that the 2025 election period had ended and the focus should now be on national development.
The ICJF also appealed to civil society organisations (CSOs) and non-governmental organisations to remain independent and avoid being used for political purposes.
It urged CSOs to provide constructive advice to government and conduct adequate research before issuing statements concerning government ministries or the Presidency.
The organisation also stressed the importance of contact and dialogue between CSOs and government institutions.
The ICJF has called on Malawians to take an active role in developing the country instead of placing the responsibility entirely on government.
It encouraged communities to work with their leaders and Traditional Chiefs on development projects and to keep politics separate from local development initiatives.
The organisation also urged Malawians to reject bribery, saying the future of the country depends on the collective actions of its citizens.
The statement concludes with a prayer for President Mutharika’s long life and continued leadership in transforming Malawi.
