Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has called on President Lazarus Chakwera to address the fuel procurement bickering between the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) and the National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma).

Addressing journalists in Lilongwe, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa called on President Chakwera to demonstrate decisive leadership on the matter.

Namiwa said procurement processes at Mera and Nocma are being influenced by greed and political interference masterminded by the Tonse Alliance individuals.

He said Nocma should suspend the current bids since the bid validity expired way back.

Namiwa threatened to lead Malawians into nationwide protests to force President Chakwera to address the situation with the urgency it deserves.

“Should there be any fuel crisis any time soon in the country, CDEDI will not hesitate but to lead Malawians into nationwide protests, to force President Chakwera to rectify the situation, with the urgency it deserves,” cautioned Namiwa.

CDEDI has also faulted NOCMA for playing the role of MERA by bypassed the regulator and has identified fuel suppliers without involving the regulator, a development which the organisation said is a clear violation of the law.

Government spokesperson Gospel Kazako is yet to comment on the matter.