Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Executive Secretary, Habiba Osman, has urged urgent action to curb rising cases of gender-based violence against women and girls in the country.
Speaking in Lilongwe on Thursday, Osman highlighted that one in three girls in Malawi has experienced sexual violence, a statistic she described as deeply alarming and indicative of the need for immediate, coordinated interventions to safeguard the rights and dignity of women and girls.
Habiba Osman
She further appealed to development partners to strengthen capacity-building efforts that amplify the voices of women and girls especially those from marginalized communities.
According to Osman, empowering these voices is essential for advancing the ratification process of key human rights instruments.
On his part, Deputy Director in the Ministry of Gender,Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Ronald Phiri,encouraged stakeholders to support the implementation of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU-CEVAWG).
He said the convention provides a critical framework for combating all forms of violence against women in Malawi.
Adopted in February 2025, the AU-CEVAWG is a comprehensive legal instrument designed to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls across the African continent.
Former Attorney General (AG) Thabo Chakaka-Nyirenda says Africa’s most pressing human-rights challenge remains the persistent failure of many nations to enforce judgments issued by regional courts.
He made the remarks on Thursday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he delivered a keynote address at the 30th East Africa Law Society Annual Conference and General Meeting.
Chakaka Nyirenda
Describing the situation as the continent’s ‘unfinished work’ the former AG told delegates that although Africa has developed an impressive human-rights architecture, its effectiveness collapses when domestic systems refuse or delay to implement binding rulings.
Chakaka-Nyirenda stressed that a judgment without enforcement is ultimately meaningless.
He called for a continent-wide convention on the recognition and execution of human-rights judgments to promote uniformity, certainty, and credibility.
“When these judgments are not enforced domestically, a right declared becomes a right denied; compensation ordered becomes compensation withheld; and justice pronounced becomes justice delayed. The gap between judgment and justice is our continent’s unfinished work,” he said.
Arguing that true sovereignty is expressed not by evading obligations but by fulfilling them, Chakaka-Nyirenda underscored that enforcement is essential for deterrence, accountability, and upholding the rule of law.
He further emphasised that rulings from the African Court, the East African Court of Justice, and other regional tribunals must become directly enforceable at the national level because justice that cannot be implemented remains justice denied.
The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has stated that it can no longer remain silent on the issue of unpaid former government employees who lost their jobs between 2023 and 2025.
The statement comes as United Transformation Movement (UTM) legislator Patricia Kaliati called on the government to take urgent action in releasing payments owed to these former workers.
Kaliati warned that the current predicament is a direct result of previous administration mismanagement and urged accountability in addressing the backlog.
Jessie Kabwila
MCP spokesperson Jessie Kabwira accused Kaliati of attempting to downplay the failures of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government, including rising prices of basic goods, erratic electricity and water supply, and other unfulfilled promises made upon taking office.
Kabwira highlighted that the previous government attempted to recruit civil servants indiscriminately, invested in road construction, and supported children’s education in public schools—efforts which the current administration has failed to continue in the first two months of its tenure.
He emphasized that the government must ensure that all promises made to the public before taking office are fully implemented rather than merely blaming past administrations.
The MCP is therefore calling for a thorough review of pending public payments and commitments, urging the authorities to act swiftly to restore confidence in public service delivery.
Failure to address these concerns, the party warns, could further erode public trust and negatively impact the welfare of citizens affected by delayed payments.
Machinga Likwenu Member of Parliament, Tulinje Muluzi, has urged the government to undertake comprehensive reforms at the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) to enhance revenue generation and strengthen the country’s financial stability.
Speaking on Wednesday during parliamentary deliberations on the mid-year budget review presented by Minister of Finance, Joseph Mathyola Mwanamvekha, Muluzi expressed strong support for the review, noting that its success depends on empowering the MRA, which is the primary source of government funding.
Tulije Muluzi
He emphasized the need for a more efficient taxation system, stating that Malawi must broaden its tax base and remove unnecessary exemptions to increase domestic revenue collection.
Muluzi argued that transforming MRA is essential for improving fiscal performance and ensuring sustainable financing for national development.
The legislator further highlighted concerns about inadequate funding for the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), stressing that the institution needs more resources and additional staff to effectively handle stalled corruption cases in the courts.
He said the fight against corruption requires strong institutional support, proper funding, and adequate personnel if meaningful progress is to be achieved.
Muluzi, who is currently facing a legal challenge from his opponent regarding the 16th September election results, assured his supporters that he remains unfazed by the case, which has now moved to the Supreme Court of Appeal.
He reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on the promises he made during the campaign period, regardless of the ongoing court proceedings.
Wednesday’s parliamentary session saw several MPs presenting their views on the mid-year budget review, although Malawi Congress Party legislators walked out of the chamber following rumours circulating on social media that the government intended to arrest their party president, Lazarus Chakwera.
Commenting on the matter, Leader of the Opposition and former President Lazarus Chakwera dismissed the allegations, stating that the government has no such intention and that the rumours were unfounded.
Giant alcoholic beverage producer, Castel Malawi, in partnership with Ryalls Hotel, has announced the hosting of an All-White Party on Saturday (29 November 2025) targeting top-tier consumers and key stakeholders in appreciation for their loyal support in the year.
According to the organisers, the All-White party, which is expected to kick off by 4pm until late will see patrons being welcomed by a cocktail and snacks on arrival and will be entertained by hot DJs namely DJ Twiggy, DJ Gene and lady DJ Nyenyezi topped by a music performance by Mingoli Band.
Castel Malawi head of Communications and corporate events Deborah Matowe-Mzembe said in an interview yesterday that the event will be characterised by premium entertainment and high-end hospitality as part of Castel Malawi’s approach to enhancing consumer experience and market engagement.
“As the critical festive season approaches, Castel Malawi is strategically reinforcing its commitment to customer loyalty and delivering premium experiences through a significant collaboration with the renowned Ryalls Hotel to host the exclusive White Party.”
Deborah Matowe-Mzembe
“This event, which serves as a major highlight in our year-end customer engagement calendar, is explicitly designed to reward our loyal consumers and strategically position our brands for the peak consumption period, demonstrating Castel Malawi’s continued investment in delivering memorable consumer value and cementing our market leadership,” said Matowe-Mzembe.
She further said the All-White Party reflects the company’s commitment to reinforcing customer loyalty and showcasing the continued growth of Castel products in the country.
“This event is not just a celebration; it is a reward to our consumers who continue to choose Castel brands. We want to give them a memorable experience while showcasing the growth, innovation and excellence of our brands,” said Matowe-Mzembe.
On her part, Ryalls Hotel Sales and Marketing Manager Sellina Chisale said they partnered with Castel Malawi on the All-White Party because both their brands share a commitment to quality, lifestyle, and creating memorable experiences.
“Castel is a household name with a strong legacy in Malawi, and Protea Hotel by Marriott Ryalls is the pioneer of hospitality in the country, carrying over a century of heritage and trust. Together, this partnership brings two respected brands blending excellence, culture, and celebration.”
“Patrons can expect an evening that reflects the best of both worlds — elegance, premium service, vibrant entertainment, and a beautifully curated all-white ambience. With signature Castel beverages, exceptional hospitality from The Ryalls, live music, great food, and a sophisticated outdoor setup, this promises to be a truly standout event for Blantyre. We’re excited to welcome everyone to an unforgettable night of style, energy, and world-class hospitality,” said Chisale.
Tickets to the event are going to K35,000 and can be purchased from an online payment platform, Ulinzinga.
