As Malawi heads to the polls in September, the United States Government has described it as a very important chapter because it will determine the next stage of Malawi’s trajectory and the future of its children.
Speaking during the 249th US Independence Day Anniversary celebrations, Chief of Mission Amy Diaz said her government stands with the Malawian people as they enter this pivotal period.
While noting that the outcome of the polls is unknown, she said it is certain that Malawi’s next chapter will be written by every student leader, media house, civil servant, traditional chief, faith leader, and every citizen in the country.
She was upbeat that come September, Malawi will continue to deliver to its younger generations a remarkable legacy of peace and unity that has defined its 60 years as a nation.
“We want to continue to work with Malawi in ending systemic challenges such as corruption, which robs Malawi of development and prosperity, and steals from every child who sleeps under Malawi’s canopy of stars tonight.
“Unchecked abuse of public money and procurement drives away international investors that Malawi must attract and starves the health care and education sectors of much-needed resources to help Malawi attain its 2063 aspirations.
“An election that is peaceful, credible, inclusive and truly builds a better future for all of Malawi’s children will require a vigilant press, a dynamic civil society, an engaged electorate, and all political leaders putting the interests of their nation ahead of their parties.”
For over sixty years, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) played a vital role in shaping Malawi’s development journey; supporting smallholder farmers, strengthening health systems, and helping Malawi transition to democracy.
Although it has come to unexpected sad ending, the agency has been a bridge that connected people, ideas, and futures and laid the foundation for a more resilient and hopeful Malawi.
Diaz highlighted that through the dedicated work of USAID Malawi, the next chapters of progress are ready to be authored by the next generation of Malawian leaders and visionaries.
“It is a story of extraordinary impact. A story not of closing, but of contribution. A journey not of ending, but of transformation. A legacy that casts the light of a thousand spotlights.
“And with all great dreams and dreamers, there is a perpetual hunger to achieve more, do more. A single journey is never enough for the true hero – there is always one more mountain to climb, one more ocean to cross, one more story to write.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Nancy Tembo stressed that the partnership between the two nations has remained strong while transcending the political events and changes that have taken place in both countries over the decades.
She stated that it has remained strong because it has stood the test of time by focusing on the advancement of shared values and the mutual national interests of both countries regardless of which parties control the White House or the State House.
Among others, Tembo cited the State Partnership Program between the Malawi Defense Force and the North Carolina National Guard, and the advancement of education for millions of children whose only access to learning is provided by Government through public schools like Chipasula Secondary School.
The Foreign Affairs Minister corroborated that as Malawians go to elections this year, what will be at stake is not the fate of the political parties, but the future of such children.
“As Government, we are fully committed not only to ensuring that these elections are conducted peacefully, but also ensuring that beyond the elections, the partnership between Malawi and the United States in taking the development of these young people forward stays on track”.
The independence reception was celebrated under the theme “The Stories We Tell.” A call to action. A challenge. A transformation; a narrative existing in every culture, every generation, every language with a belief that Malawi and US can grow through hardship and return better.
