Government Dismisses Former Minister Mtambo's Criticism as Sour Grapes"

The Malawi government has responded with skepticism to former National Unity Minister Timothy Mtambo's assertion that the Tonse Alliance administration has failed to deliver on its promises after four years in power. Mtambo, who was fired from the cabinet in February 2023, made the remarks at a news conference in Lilongwe on Saturday, claiming that the government has not taken Malawians to the "Promised Land" and urging citizens to take an active role in holding the government accountable.

However, government spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu dismissed Mtambo's sentiments as surprising and suggested that his criticism may be motivated by his removal from the cabinet. Kunkuyu implied that Mtambo's sudden activism and criticism of the government may be a result of his no longer being part of the cabinet.

Democratic Progressive Party leader in the National Assembly, Mary Navicha, also criticized Mtambo's remarks, describing his comeback as a desperate attempt to remain relevant. Navicha argued that Mtambo's claim that the opposition is failing to provide checks and balances is "sheer madness" since Malawians are already speaking out about their struggles without the need for opposition leadership.

The government's response suggests that Mtambo's criticism may be seen as a case of sour grapes, and that his removal from the cabinet may have motivated his sudden activism and criticism of the government.