HRDC Slams Chakwera for "Insensitive" Leadership Amid Economic Crisis
### Chakwera Faces Calls to Return Amid Currency Crisis
LILONGWE, Malawi - The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has sharply criticized President Lazarus Chakwera's government over its handling of Malawi's recent currency devaluation, writes Winston Mwale.
The Malawian kwacha was devalued by 44% against the U.S. dollar on Thursday, leading to immediate price increases on basic goods.
In a statement Friday, the HRDC said the devaluation would "inflict severe wounds upon an already suffering Malawian populace."
"The truth, etched in the fabric of our collective consciousness, is that President Chakwera, at the helm of our nation, orchestrated the painful symphony leading to (the central bank's) fateful decision," said HRDC chair Gift Trapence.
The coalition accused Chakwera of abandoning the country by traveling to Saudi Arabia this week. It said the president should have addressed the nation and announced measures to shield citizens from the devaluation's effects.
Instead, the group said, "feeble statements" from government ministries had only "exacerbated the wounds of a nation in distress."
The HRDC called on Chakwera to immediately cut short his trip and hold a press conference detailing plans to stabilize prices and avoid further currency devaluation.
"The indifferent display in the face of our people's suffering will not go unchallenged," Trapence said, warning that failure to act could force the group to organize protests.
### Chakwera Faces Calls to Return Amid Currency Crisis
Download the statement below:
