Government officials invited to a roundtable discussion aimed at promoting dialogue and peaceful solutions failed to attend the meeting held at Sumuka Inn in Karonga on 9 July 2026, despite receiving formal invitations.
The meeting was organised by civil society organisations (CSOs) from Karonga, Rumphi, and Mzuzu to discuss the urgent rehabilitation of the M1 Road, particularly the Chiweta–Karonga stretch, which has long been a source of concern for road users and local communities.
Among those invited were the Minister of Transport and Public Works, the Chief Executive Officer of the Roads Fund Administration, the Chief Executive Officer of the Roads Authority, and the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Land, Transport and Public Infrastructure. None of the invited government officials attended the discussion.
Civil society organisations (CSOs) expressed disappointment after none of the invited government officials attended the roundtable discussion or communicated reasons for their absence.
The CSOs noted that the gathering represented one of the largest coalitions of civil society organisations in Northern Malawi united behind a single cause.
They cautioned that such a broad-based civic movement should not be underestimated, regardless of the political considerations of the public officials concerned.
The organisations emphasised that the Karonga–Chiweta section of the M1 Road is a strategic national corridor whose importance extends far beyond the Northern Region. As Malawi’s main gateway for imports from neighbouring Tanzania, the road carries essential commodities such as fuel, motor vehicles, and other goods. They recalled that during last year’s conflict in Tanzania, disruptions along the route contributed to fuel shortages across the country, highlighting its significance to the national economy.
The CSOs further stated that the Songwe Border generates substantial revenue for Malawi. They estimate that about 100 light vehicles and around 300 trucks and fuel tankers cross the border each day using the M1 Road. Border collections are also estimated at more than MK37 billion per month, underscoring the road’s economic value.
However, they argued that the deteriorating condition of the road continues to have far-reaching consequences. These include prolonged travel times, with journeys from Karonga to Mzuzu taking between six and seven hours instead of significantly less, while trips to Lilongwe can take between 11 and 13 hours.
They also cited increased road accidents, delays in emergency medical referrals to Mzuzu Central Hospital, rising vehicle maintenance costs for transport operators, and a higher cost of living driven by increased transport expenses. According to the CSOs, the continued deterioration of the road also reflects the long-standing neglect of Karonga District.
Despite their concerns, the organisations acknowledged recent progress by government, including the publication of procurement notices related to the rehabilitation of the Karonga–Chiweta section of the M1 Road.
They expressed hope that these developments will translate into tangible action and timely completion of the long-awaited project.
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