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The court’s role in Malawi’s political tension: A ticking time bomb

By Twink Jones Gadama

In the turbulent realm of Malawian politics, the courts wield a double-edged sword that threatens to slice through the fragile fabric of society. At the center of this tempest lies the enigmatic figure of Kondwani Nankhumwa, a man whose mere presence has ignited a powder keg of political unrest. As the embattled former DPP presidential advisor and leader of the opposition, Nankhumwa’s expulsion from his party has set off a chain reaction of legal battles that threaten to engulf the nation in flames.

At the heart of this tumultuous saga lies the fundamental question of justice versus politics. In a democracy, the rule of law should be the bedrock upon which the nation stands. Yet, in Malawi, the courts have become the arena for a dangerous game of political brinkmanship, where the fate of the nation hangs in the balance. The court’s decision to grant Nankhumwa an injunction against his expulsion has only served to fan the flames of discord within the DPP and beyond.

The High Court in Blantyre

The implications of the court’s actions are far-reaching and potentially catastrophic. By intervening in a purely political matter, the courts have opened a Pandora’s box of uncertainty and unrest. The very foundation of democracy is built upon the separation of powers, with each branch of government fulfilling its own role without encroaching on the domain of another. Yet, in Malawi, the lines between politics and justice have become dangerously blurred, threatening to tear the nation apart at its seams.

The court’s decision to wade into the murky waters of party politics has sown the seeds of discontent and division within the DPP. Members who were once united in their support for Nankhumwa’s expulsion are now seething with anger and resentment at the perceived interference of the judiciary in their internal affairs. This betrayal of trust has left many feeling betrayed and disenfranchised, fueling a sense of injustice and righteous anger that simmers just beneath the surface.

In the court of public opinion, the judges are seen as puppet masters pulling the strings of fate, manipulating the course of events to suit their own agendas. The perception of bias and corruption within the judiciary has only served to deepen the rift between the people and their government, eroding the very foundation of trust upon which a healthy democracy depends. The courts, once revered as bastions of justice, have now become symbols of oppression and tyranny, casting a dark shadow over the nation.

The specter of civil war looms large on the horizon, a dark cloud gathering strength and momentum with each passing day. The court’s decision to grant Nankhumwa an injunction has set off a domino effect of violence and unrest that threatens to spiral out of control. The people of Malawi, once united in their aspirations for a better future, are now divided along political lines, with brother turning against brother in a brutal struggle for power and control.

As the nation teeters on the brink of collapse, the court’s role in fueling this dangerous escalation cannot be ignored. The judges must tread carefully, weighing their decisions with the utmost care and consideration for the consequences that may follow. The fate of Malawi hangs in the balance, a fragile thread that threatens to snap under the weight of political turmoil and social upheaval.

In the end, the court’s actions will determine the course of history for Malawi. Will they serve as champions of justice and defenders of democracy, or will they become pawns in a dangerous game of political manipulation? The choice is theirs to make, but the consequences will be felt by all. The time bomb is ticking, and only time will tell if the courts can defuse the volatile mixture of politics and justice that threatens to blow Malawi apart at the seams.

Of Kondwani Nankhumwa obtaining an injunction as George Chaponda is denied access to Parliament business committee meeting as new DPP Leader of Opposition

By Burnett Munthali

People contend in a battle or physical combat, to strive to overcome a person by blows or weapons. It can be for love, family, power, freedom, sacrifice, and pride as one of the many reasons to fight. Also different circumstances cause people to fight. Things like oppression, race, and cultures cause confliction with over people.

Political conflicts occur all too frequently in resource limited settings, unfortunately producing almost unavoidable turmoil resulting in violence and negative health consequences. Conflicts often have a basis in economics and inequality, destabilizing communities by slowing economic development and increasing insecurity, and therefore have a profound effect in the developing world. These factors tend to be weak in developing countries even during unconflicted times, and conflict thus has an exacerbating effect.

George Chaponda

The conflict at hand

Firstly, according to media reports, the recently appointed leader of opposition in Parliament George Chaponda has been denied access to the Parliament business committee meeting as Kondwani Nankhumwa obtained an injuction against his replacement as Leader of Opposition in Parliament.

Secondly, an injunction is a court order requiring a person to do or cease doing a specific action. There are three types of injunctions: Permanent injunctions, Temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions.

Thirdly, under Article 36, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament may only be removed by the party that elected him or her. DPP fired Nankhumwa alongside 10 others and appointed Mulanje South West legislator George Chaponda as his replacement.

Fourthly, after being disappointed with the conduct and services of Kondwani Nankhumwa, just like any other party should be distorted with the performance of its office bearer, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) appointed Chaponda as Leader of Opposition in Parliament after firing Kondwani Nankhumwa from the party.

Firstly, getting fired can serve as an opportunity to engage in reflection, so consider contacting former colleagues to request honest feedback regarding your strengths and weaknesses. After speaking with a few people, you can look for specific themes or items that you can improve on during your job search. Update your resume.

Being fired is another example of when an employer terminates an employee’s employment. An employee gets fired for reasons under their control and when they do something wrong. An employer may fire an employee for reasons like inappropriate conduct or unsatisfactory job performance.

Seventhly, both Chaponda and Nankhumwa showed up for the meeting but Parliament has recognised Nankhumwa as Leader of Opposition in light of the injunction.

Leader of opposition

The Leader of the Opposition is the parliamentary chairperson of the largest political party in their respective legislative chamber that is not in government.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislators elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Mulanje Central Kondwani Nankhumwa as Leader of Opposition three years ago. During the election, Nankhumwa amassed 38 votes, Nsanje Central MP Francis Kasaila managed 4 votes while Machinga Likwenu MP Bright Msaka got 1 vote.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP ) must deal with the issue of Leader of Opposition decisively, once and for all. DPP must understand the nature of this conflict. They should work it out themselves and deal with the issue quickly. Listen to both sides and determine the real issue, together. Consult their party and country Constitution and find a solution. Otherwise, this confusion continues to confuse many Malawians.

Drama at parliament as Chaponda sent out of business committee meeting

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By Chisomo Phiri

There was drama at parliament building on Wednesday morning as
George Chaponda was sent out of the Business Committee meeting where both he and Kondwani Nankhumwa appeared to represent Leader of Opposition.

Speaker of the House Catherine Gottani Hara told the meeting that Chaponda has an injunction on his head, stopping him from being Leader of Opposition.



Gotani Hara, conceded that parliament is tied with the laws and that it follows what the laws spitulate.

However, the speaker allowed Chaponda’s whip Jappie Mhango to attend the meeting.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) appointed Chaponda as Leader of Opposition in Parliament after firing Kondwani Nankhumwa from the party.

Social media links Ben Longwe to joining MCP

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By Vincent Gunde

Social media reports are indicating that a human rights activist based in South Africa who has been a critic of the MCP led Tonse Alliance government since 2020 when President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera was voted into government is coming to Malawi to join the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

Ben Longwe has now been proved to be a darling of the MCP, his audios have turned against the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) the party he has been advising on what best to do and news of his coming to Malawi to join the MCP, is not a surprise.

Charles Ben Longwe

He has been praising President Chakwera for his policies claiming that his government is now moving well because of good policies praying to the Almighty God to continue bless him to walk the talk to reach the promised land of Canaan.

Speaking through an audio clip from South Africa circulating in various social media platforms, Ben Longwe, faulted some people wrong for fabricating lies that he is coming to Malawi to join the MCP following Commandant Redson Munlo who was welcomed into the MCP during a rally held in Mwanza by President Chakwera.

Longwe said he can not join the MCP but he is MCP himself appealing to those who wants to prove him wrong to contact the Malefula family in Zomba and they will be told that Ben Longwe is MCP and cannot join any other party apart from the MCP.

He said he turned against his party-MCP from 2020 for practicing bad policies but since President Chakwera is now implementing good policies for the development of the country, he has joined him in his quest to build a new Malawi.

The activist has thanked President Chakwera for not signing Political Party bill of funding parties” observing that the Bill was passed in Parliament by all members but President Chakwera thought it wise of not signing it into law saying this is what a good leader must do putting Malawi, first.

Longwe said had President Chakwera started not signing other Bills which seems to be infringing rights of the citizens into law soon after being sworn in as President of the country, Chakwera would not have enemies as seen today.

He has appealed to President Chakwera to continue not signing useless bills when they come to his table for Malawi to remain in peace, the country is lacking good policies, saying if they don’t have money to run their parties, they should disband the parties and not waiting for Parliament to give them money.

“Malawi is sailing through a sea of economic challenges, people have no money in their pockets and Parliament funding political parties, that’s nonsense,” said Longwe.

On a sad note, Longwe has expressed his grave concern over MPs who speaks during President Chakwera’s rallies that they don’t of speak of hunger which is biting hard their people but speaking more of their parties reminding them that people attending their rallies have no food and will not eat politics of their parties.

Two Mozambican border police officers suspended for assaulting Malawian truck driver

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By Chisomo Phiri

The Mozambique government has suspended two border police officers suspected to have assaulted a Malawian truck driver, Elaston Ngonyani last month.

Mozambican officials disclosed this during a Joint Technical Committee of Officials Meeting on the Malawi-Mozambique Border Reaffirmation Exercise and Emerging Issues in Mangochi on Monday.

Elaston Konyani being assaulted by Police officers



The Mozambican delegation told the meeting that they condemned the actions of the Police officers at Zobue, adding that the concerned officers have been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation that has been instituted by the Mozambican authorities.

According to minutes of the meeting which 247 Malawi News has seen, the Malawi delegation informed the Mozambican delegates that due to the incapacity suffered by Ngonyani, there should be consideration of payment of damages to him.

The two delegations agreed that the investigation report will be shared with Malawi once concluded.

Meanwhile, Malawi Consulate in Mozambique’s Tete Province Happy Saka has welcomed the suspension of the two police officers

“As Malawi Consulate we are very happy that Mozambique government has actually accepted and managed to condemn the behaviour of the police officers,” said.

He added that the Mozambique government has made a commitment to ensure that the investigations are conducted without interference.