The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) says it is troubled with President Lazarus Chakwera’s “conspicuous absence” during the current fuel crisis facing the country.

In a statement HRDC observes that in time like these the President ought to have provided an explanation and assurance to the nation.

Reads the statement: “The silence exhibited by the government towards this crisis, along with various other challenges facing our nation, is indeed a cause for concern.

“It is disheartening that amidst the long queues for fuel, the President and his Cabinet have chosen to remain silent, causing anxiety among well-meaning Malawians.”

The statement further calls on Chakwera to recognise the gravity of the fuel problem and treat it as a “national crisis”.

“We urge the government to swiftly address the fuel crisis and alleviate the hardships faced by Malawians.

In the hope that the President may not be fully aware of the implications of this crisis, we would like to draw his attention to the fact that fuel is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy,” further reads the statement.