Malawi President Peter Mutharika is facing growing scrutiny over what observers describe as the systematic sidelining of the country’s two Vice Presidents, with Cabinet ministers increasingly being entrusted with responsibilities traditionally associated with the presidency and vice presidency.
Since the beginning of 2026, First Vice President Jane Ansah and Second Vice President Enock Chihana have been noticeably absent from several high-profile government functions, raising questions about their role within the administration and the President’s confidence in his deputies.
A review of official engagements shows a clear pattern of ministers being delegated to represent the Head of State at major national events, while the Vice Presidents have largely remained out of sight.
Among the notable examples:
During the John Chilembwe Day commemoration in Chiradzulu, President Mutharika delegated representation to Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha.
On March 1, when the President departed for a private trip to South Africa, both Vice Presidents were absent from the official airport send-off, a departure from established political protocol where senior state officials often accompany the Head of State.
At the Martyrs’ Day commemoration in Nkhata Bay on March 3, representation was delegated to Transport and Public Works Minister Jappie Mhango instead of either Vice President.
During Kamuzu Day celebrations on May 14, Sports, Youth and Culture Minister Alfred Gangata represented the President.
The opening of the tobacco marketing season at Kanengo, Chinkhoma, Limbe and Mzuzu was presided over by Agriculture Minister Roza Fatch Mbilizi rather than one of the Vice Presidents.
At the 36th Malawi International Trade Fair, Industrialisation, Trade and Tourism Minister Simon Bizwick officially opened the event, an occasion that has traditionally attracted the participation of the Head of State or a Vice President.
Political analysts say the repeated delegation of ministers to such strategic national events could signal a deliberate restructuring of influence within government, although State House has not publicly explained the apparent absence of the Vice Presidents from these functions.
The development has fueled speculation about the relationship between the President and his deputies, particularly as the administration moves deeper into its term and attention begins to shift toward future political alignments.
Neither State House nor the offices of the two Vice Presidents had immediately commented on the matter at the time of publication.
For now, the growing list of events handled by Cabinet ministers instead of Malawi’s two Vice Presidents continues to raise questions about who truly occupies the second tier of power within the Mutharika administration.
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