Malawi Opposition Leader Charged With Plot to Assassinate President

A PROMINENT figure in Malawi’s opposition, Patricia Kaliati, has been charged with conspiring to assassinate President Lazarus Chakwera. Kaliati, who serves as the Secretary-General of the UTM party, was taken into custody last week under accusations of ‘conspiring with others to commit a serious offence.’ On Monday, the 57-year-old appeared before a court in Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital, where she remained silent as her lawyer argued her innocence.

Few details have been released about the alleged plot, leading to speculation among opposition figures who claim that the charges may be politically motivated. Outside the court, UTM supporters gathered, chanting anti-government slogans as they protested against the arrest, according to reports from the AFP news agency.

Court proceedings and bail decision

During the hearing, the court was told that Kaliati’s alleged co-conspirators are currently at large. The state prosecutor requested that she remain in custody for another week, but the magistrate ruled in favour of her release on bail, allowing the investigation to continue while she remains free.

Police have maintained that the arrest was conducted lawfully and pledged to respect Kaliati’s rights throughout the legal process. UTM supporters and some political analysts have questioned the timing and nature of the charges, suggesting they may be an attempt to curb the opposition’s influence ahead of next year’s elections.

UTM’s political shift and future plans

The UTM party, which had been part of the Malawian government until recently, left the ruling coalition in June following the tragic death of its leader and then-vice president, Saulos Chilima. Chilima, aged 51, was killed in a military aircraft crash in northern Malawi. Since then, Kaliati has positioned herself as a potential successor to Chilima and has expressed her intentions to challenge President Chakwera in the upcoming presidential election.

A former primary school teacher turned politician, Kaliati is well known in Malawi for her direct, outspoken style. Her bid for leadership within the UTM party has strengthened her public profile as she prepares for the political battle ahead.

As the investigation into the alleged plot unfolds, Malawi’s political landscape remains tense. The outcome of the case against Kaliati could significantly impact the opposition’s strategy and the presidential race in 2025.