Outgoing British High Commissioner to Malawi, Fiona Ritchie, has raised alarms over the recent surge in pre-election violence, warning that it could destabilize the country ahead of the September 2025 general elections.

Speaking at King Charles III’s birthday celebration in Lilongwe Thursday evening, Ritchie stressed that such unrest threatens Malawi’s hard-earned reputation as a beacon of peace in the region. 

“Political violence undermines stability and scares away investors—key to growth in sectors like mining, agriculture, and industrialization," she said .  

Despite these concerns, Ritchie - who has lived in Malawi for four years—expressed optimism about the country’s economic potential. 
“Malawi’s ATM strategy (Agriculture, Trade, and Mining) can still deliver transformative growth if peace prevails," she noted, urging all parties to reject violence .  

In response, Malawi’s Education Minister Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima reaffirmed the government’s commitment to peaceful elections. 

“Security measures are firmly in place to protect voters and candidates," Wirima declared, while praising the UK’s partnership in advancing education and agricultural development—a cornerstone of Malawi’s industrialization agenda.  

The event doubled as a celebration of decades-long bilateral ties. Ritchie highlighted the UK’s support through initiatives like the UNDP elections basket fund, which includes media training to ensure fair reporting during the polls.

(Written By: Chisomo Chingwalu)