Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the political situation in Malawi.

The UK Government is encouraged by the political situation in Malawi. Malawians can be rightly proud of their commitment to resolving political differences through their country's democratic institutions and processes, including in the aftermath of the contested 2019 Presidential elections, which resulted in fresh elections in June 2020. When the Minister for Africa visited Malawi in October 2020, he had the opportunity to congratulate President Chakwera and Vice President Chilima on Malawi's peaceful transition of power, and to explore areas where the UK can support the government's planned reform agenda, including on anti-corruption, long-term economic development and supporting the poorest.

The UK and Malawi share an historically close relationship, with strong people-to-people links. We have a long-standing development relationship with Malawi, and a warm and encouraging partnership on areas of mutual interest. As a long term friend of Malawi, we look forward to working with President Chakwera's Government to tackle the issues that matter to all Malawians