In an update to earlier reports regarding reshuffle rumors and his expected return, President Arthur Peter Mutharika officially arrived at Kamuzu International Airport on August 15. According to Malawi24 and Nyasa Times, Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi confirmed the arrival, which concluded the President's 11-day private visit to South Africa. This marks his fourth publicly announced private trip to the country since returning to office, prompting continued public debate as State House has not disclosed the specific purpose of the visits.
Building on earlier coverage of Second Vice President Enock Chihana handing over the SADC Organ chairmanship, a new development occurred during the main 46th Ordinary SADC Summit in Durban, South Africa. According to Malawi24, the South African government experienced a diplomatic protocol error on August 17 when it mistakenly identified Chihana as Malawian opposition politician Richard Chimwendo Banda. Despite the mix-up, Chihana successfully led the national delegation in place of President Mutharika.
Chihana also expanded Malawi's diplomatic engagements during the trip. On August 16, he held bilateral talks with Mozambican President Daniel Chapo on the sidelines of the summit. The two leaders discussed mutual cooperation in trade, security, transport, energy, and diplomacy ahead of planned formal agreements between the two nations, reports Malawi24.