The government has come under growing pressure to explain its silence over the cost and justification of Vice President Jane Ansah’s private trip to the United Kingdom, at a time when Malawians are being told to brace for austerity and deep cuts in public spending.

Her office confirmed the visit was in a private capacity, leaked documents circulating in the media claimed up to 15 people would accompany her at a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars, sparking public criticism amid ongoing austerity measures. The vice-president’s office denied the authenticity of the documents and disputed claims of state expenditure, insisting it remained committed to transparency, though it did not clarify the size of the entourage.

Human rights group HRDC described the trip as troubling and contradictory to the government’s pledge to cut spending, arguing it exposed a double standard as Malawians were urged to endure economic hardship while senior officials appeared exempt.