Ambassador Eastham Leaves Malawi a Happy Man

Outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Malawi Alan Eastham says he will fondly remember Malawi as a country with a working democracy that is growing stronger by the day.  Speaking in his pre-departure media appearances, Ambassador Eastham advised Malawians to count their blessings because the country has institutions like a parliament that work, a fair legal system, and a vibrant civil society.

He said no matter how poor Malawi may view itself, it is rich in its intelligent people, a good climate and other significant advantages.  He added that Malawi is blessed because it never had to go to war to achieve what it has.  The Ambassador expressed gratitude to the Malawian Government, the private sector, and various institutions and individuals for supporting him during his term of office. more

In an August 13 event on the Embassy’s front lawn, U.S. Ambassador to Malawi Alan W. Eastham bid farewell to the Mission staff as he prepares for his final departure from post and onward assignment as Ambassador to Congo Brazzaville.  With nearly all Mission employees on hand, the program included remarks by a representative of the Locally Engaged Staff, lauding Ambassador Eastham for his guidance and close engagement throughout his tenure.  Ambassador Eastham concluded the ceremony by challenging Mission staff and Malawians in general to continue working hard to make a better Malawi, but also to consider all that is good about Malawi – “and there is a lot,” he noted, concluding with, “I will really miss this place.”

U.S. Ambassador Alan Eastham’s Speech at the 2008 Independence Day Celebration

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Henri Mumba, other Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Officials of Government, Colleagues of the Diplomatic Corps, Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

I’m very pleased to welcome you, our many friends and colleagues, to celebrate American Independence Day with us. 

Honorable Minister, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
This week, Americans mark the 232nd anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, a document that proclaimed not only our political independence but that also outlined freedom and independence means to us, including permanent, unalienable rights; the right to be left alone to pursue the blessings of liberty and individual and collective sums of happiness; and the principle that government exists by the consent of the governed, not the other way around.       [read more]

New Health PCVs to Begin Service at Locations Throughout Malawi

Twenty-one new health Peace Corps Volunteers officially began their two-year tour of service in Malawi after a swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in Lilongwe.  The swearing-in ceremony followed an eight week intensive training program in language and culture.
The Chargé d’affaires, Kevin Sullivan delivered remarks highlighting the role that the Peace Corps has played in building the enduring friendship shared between the United States and Malawi. Sullivan urged the volunteers to be a positive influence in their communities where HIV/AIDS is a challenge and stigma is rife.  “As role models in your communities, you can do much to dispel misconceptions about HIV….your influence on your friends to practice safe behaviors can help keep them HIV negative and that’s a very important goal,” said Sullivan.   more

U.S. Congressional Delegation impressed with Malawi projects

Congressman David Price of North Carolina led a six member congressional delegation to Malawi on July 5 and 6 and met with senior Parliamentarians and visited health related projects.  Congressman Price was particularly interested in the HIV/AIDS activities being undertaken by the University of North Carolina (UNC), which is located in his district.  While visiting Dzama, a rural village outside of Lilongwe where UNC has assisted with water and education projects, he said he was impressed with the University’s interventions.  He said, “I have known some of the people involved in this work for 20 years and I have heard about their work and how they are excited to be in Malawi, doing very rewarding work here.”   more

Malawi Human Rights Report     International Religious Freedom Report

TIP Report                                      Advancing Freedom and Democracy Report

New Electronic Visa Forms         On-line visa appointment