LILONGWE, Malawi, April 12, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Malawian police arrested the former finance minister Sunday on suspicion of money laundering and abuse of office, in the latest move in a widening post-election crackdown on former senior officials. Chithyola was finance minister between 2023 and 2025 in the government of ex-president Lazarus Chakwera that was replaced in September elections dominated by soaring costs of living in the southern African country. Chithyola had drawn public attention for conspicuous displays of wealth in his unsuccessful campaign for the position of MCP secretary general. They include former presidential and cabinet secretary Colleen Zamba and the ex-ministers of trade, local government, information and agriculture. Sosten Gwengwe, who preceded Chithyola as finance minister, was also detained and released on bail.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha April 12, 2026 18:57 UTC