Mystery Deepens Over Missing 27 Million Litres of DRC Fuel Donation to Malawi
By Mercy Matonga
Malawi authorities are struggling to account for the vast majority of a 27-million-litre fuel donation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), raising serious questions about the deal’s transparency.
An investigation by Malawi News reveals that only 2.3 million litres of the pledged fuel ever reached the country, despite the DRC government’s announcement of the full donation in August 2023. The pledge was made during former President Lazarus Chakwera’s meeting with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi in Angola, intended to alleviate Malawi’s persistent fuel shortages.
Massive Discrepancy in Deliveries
According to the National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma), just 2.3 million litres were received between September and November 2023. The institution confirmed it has no knowledge of the remaining fuel’s whereabouts.
Multiple sources have expressed suspicion about the arrangement, suggesting some officials may have diverted the fuel for private gain, though Malawi News could not independently verify these claims.
Official Response Points to Higher Authorities
When questioned about the missing donation, Nocma spokesperson Raymond Likambale described it as a “grant made by one President to another.”
“Progress reports on the receipt of fuel are submitted to OPC [Office of the President and Cabinet],” Likambale explained. “The report showing 2.3 million litres as having been received by Nocma was also sent to OPC for action and guidance. So, in terms of follow-up, we refer you to the Office of the President and Cabinet.”
He confirmed Nocma received no further shipments beyond the initial 2.3 million litres, despite the original agreement specifying 30 million litres—15 million each of diesel and petrol.
Logistical Challenges Cited
Internal Nocma documents show the DRC expressed concern over Malawi’s fuel crisis, attributed to foreign exchange shortages, and decided to extend “a hand of solidarity.” The arrangement required Malawi to handle only logistical arrangements.
Dr. Nir, a DRC government representative involved in the agreement, suggested deliveries might not have concluded due to “supply problems at their port.” He referred detailed inquiries back to Nocma, stating he was primarily involved in the bilateral agreement rather than logistics.
According to Nocma records, 62 trucks delivered 2,336,753 litres of fuel over three months—640,064 litres of petrol and 1,696,689 litres of diesel.
Government Silence
The Office of the President and Cabinet, through spokesperson Geoffrey Kawanga, referred questions to the Chief Secretary, who did not respond to inquiries.
Malawi’s fuel shortages have persisted for years, with long queues at filling stations remaining common despite repeated government assurances to resolve the crisis.
Source: The Times Group