We Are Back!
By Aubrey Thom Vakhani
When President Arthur Peter Mutharika stepped to the podium at Kamuzu Stadium, the air was thick with expectation. The crowd — a sea of blue — erupted as he declared, “We are back! The mighty DPP is back!” It was not just a slogan. It was a declaration of political rebirth, a return of a party that once ruled, was rejected, and has now found its way back to power through the will of the people.
The inauguration ceremony was nothing short of historic. The stands trembled with applause, songs of praise, and chants of victory. Supporters, draped in blue attire, danced and waved flags as the President took his oath of office. The excitement reflected a national mood of renewed hope — a hope that the mistakes of the past five years would not be repeated.
In his speech, President Mutharika struck a tone of humility, conviction, and determination. He reminded the nation that “Malawi belongs to its people — not to any individual, tribe, or political party.” It was a statement that resonated deeply with many who had grown disillusioned by years of political division and self-serving leadership.
The President’s words set a clear tone for his new administration: a call for unity, discipline, and integrity. He promised to restore order in government institutions, fight corruption relentlessly, and ensure that public service returns to its core purpose — serving the people. “We are not here to feast,” he said firmly. “We are here to serve.” The crowd responded with thunderous applause, sensing that a new chapter was indeed unfolding.
Mutharika also appealed for patience. He acknowledged that Malawi’s challenges — from economic instability to unemployment and poor infrastructure — are not problems that can be solved overnight. But he assured Malawians that the new administration has a plan to stabilize the economy and revive confidence in government. “Many of the problems we face are man-made,” he said. “And it will take men and women of courage to fix them.”
The event itself carried strong regional and international significance. It was attended by an impressive lineup of foreign dignitaries, including Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the President of Mozambique, the Prime Minister of Tanzania, and several representatives from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), and the Frimax Bank. Their presence highlighted Malawi’s renewed standing within the regional and global community after a period of strained relations.
At home, the ceremony reflected a rare moment of national unity. Among those in attendance were former Presidents Dr. Bakili Muluzi, Dr. Joyce Banda, Dr. Cassim Chilumpha, SC, and Khumbo Kachale, as well as the outgoing Vice President Dr. Michael Usi. The sight of former leaders sharing the same platform symbolized a maturing democracy — one where transitions of power are increasingly peaceful, even if politically charged.
The inauguration followed Mutharika’s decisive victory in the September 16, 2025 presidential election, where he secured 3,035,249 votes (56.8%) against his main challenger, Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), who garnered 1,765,170 votes (33.0%). A total of seventeen candidates contested the election, making it one of the most competitive races in the country’s history.
The mood in Blantyre was electric long after the ceremony. The city’s streets turned into a river of celebration as the Blue Alliance — DPP and AFORD — paraded through the roads. For the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), this victory is not only a return to power but also a chance at redemption. For Malawians, it is an opportunity to hold their leaders accountable and demand the delivery of promises made during the campaign trail — jobs for the youth, affordable living costs, reliable electricity, and an end to corruption.
As the sun set on Kamuzu Stadium, one message remained in the hearts of the people: the return of DPP must be different. Malawians are hopeful but cautious. They have witnessed many promises before, and their expectations are higher than ever.
For now, President Mutharika’s rallying cry — “We are back!” — rings as both a celebration and a challenge. The people have entrusted him once again with the nation’s destiny. What remains to be seen is whether this administration can turn those words into action and restore faith in the promise of a better Malawi.
