By The Forum

The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has demanded an immediate and full public accounting of private foreign trips undertaken by President Peter Mutharika and Vice President Jane Ansah, accusing the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration of hypocrisy and abuse of public resources amid officially declared austerity measures.

The call follows the circulation of leaked documents suggesting that the Vice President’s upcoming private trip to the United Kingdom could cost nearly MWK2 billion, triggering public outrage.

In response, the Office of the Vice President dismissed the leaked documents as fake and misleading.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Richard Mveriwa, Communications and Public Relations Officer in the Office of the Vice President, said the documents did not originate from any government institution and did not reflect official records or approved government expenditure.

“The Office of the Vice President remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of public resources, and strongly condemns the deliberate spread of false information intended to mislead the public,” said Mveriwa, urging Malawians to rely on official government communication.

However, the statement did not disclose the actual budget for Vice President Jane Ansah’s trip.

The controversy centres on a leaked memo indicating that Ansah’s private visit to Nottingham, United Kingdom, scheduled from December 26, 2025 to January 10, 2026, could cost MWK1,962,683,226.38. The trip coincides with the birthday celebrations of her husband, Bishop Joseph Addo Ansah, during which she is also expected to execute official duties.

Also Read: Poof! Ansah’s MK2bn UK trip blows a hole in Mwanamvekha’s austerity pledge

The memo, referenced EA/IC/2/174/1 and dated December 12, 2025, purportedly authored by Secretary to the Vice President Eric Yesaya and addressed to Secretary to the Treasury Cliff Chiunda, itemises costs covering air tickets, daily subsistence allowances, incidentals and a warm clothing allowance for winter conditions in the UK.

According to the document, the cost would be shared among 15 members of the Vice President’s delegation, including advisers, senior administrative officials, protocol staff, accountants, personal assistants and security personnel.

It further states that the Secretary to the President and Cabinet had approved payment of daily subsistence allowances at double rates, citing the high cost of accommodation and living expenses in the United Kingdom.

The HRDC has described the arrangement as “deeply troubling, excessive and unjustifiable.”

In a statement signed by HRDC Chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa and National Coordinator Kelvin Chirwa, the organisation said it was particularly alarming that a trip explicitly described as private was allegedly being financed using public resources.

“This development comes against the backdrop of repeated public assurances by the DPP administration that it is committed to austerity measures and prudent public finance management,” reads the statement. “It also follows closely after a private visit by President Peter Mutharika to South Africa, reportedly involving the use of a private jet supported by state resources.”

Taken together, HRDC said, the two trips expose a worrying pattern that directly contradicts government rhetoric on austerity.

According to the rights group, the conduct reflects a double standard, with citizens urged to endure hardship and reduced public services while senior political leaders appear to exempt themselves from fiscal restraint.

“This undermines public trust, erodes confidence in government pronouncements, and diminishes the moral authority of public office,” the statement added.

HRDC has demanded immediate public disclosure of the full cost of President Mutharika’s private jet travel to South Africa and Vice President Ansah’s planned visit to the United Kingdom, including transport, accommodation, allowances and all delegation-related expenses.

The organisation is also calling for justification for the size of the Vice President’s delegation, strict enforcement of austerity protocols — including caps on delegation sizes — parliamentary oversight, and an independent audit of all executive travel undertaken since the declaration of austerity measures.

HRDC further urged the United Kingdom Government and the international community to exercise heightened scrutiny when granting visas for publicly funded travel that appears excessive or unjustified.

“We urge the UK Government to review all visas issued to the Vice President’s entourage and cancel those that are not strictly necessary,” said HRDC, adding that a delegation of no more than six people would be sufficient for a private visit of this nature.

The coalition warned it would continue mobilising civic pressure to hold leaders accountable whenever public resources are abused under the guise of private engagements.

The trip has sparked widespread public anger, with critics accusing political leaders of being tone-deaf to the hardships facing Malawians. The Vice President has also faced criticism over her extensive domestic travel since being appointed point person for disaster management at a time when the country is grappling with hunger and food relief efforts.

Ansah has defended her travels, insisting they are necessary to obtain first-hand assessments of conditions on the ground.

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