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Former President Chakwera arrives in Brussels for Africa Political Outlook Summit

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By Burnett Munthali

Former President Lazarus Chakwera has landed safely in Brussels, Belgium, to attend the Africa Political Outlook (APO) summit, a high-profile event that brings together influential leaders, policymakers, and experts to shape Africa’s governance and development.

The APO summit, now in its 4th edition, focuses on “The Forces of the Future” and features a high-level roundtable on Africa-Europe relations, exploring agendas and priorities towards 2050.

This year’s event promises to be a significant platform for African leaders to discuss governance, economic growth, and regional integration, with key themes including climate change, peace and security, agricultural sustainability, and digital connectivity.

Chakwera’s attendance at the summit is expected to underscore Malawi’s commitment to regional cooperation and its efforts to strengthen ties with European partners.

Chakwera



The Africa Political Outlook has established itself as a premier forum for shaping Africa’s political, economic, and social transformations, with a strong presence of government officials, business leaders, and international organizations.

The APO summit will provide a unique opportunity for Chakwera to engage with other African leaders, including the President of the African Union Commission, and explore new avenues for collaboration and partnership.

The event will also feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking sessions, offering a platform for stakeholders to share insights and best practices on governance and development in Africa.

The Africa Political Outlook is a strategic platform that aims to reinvent governance, deliver change, and forge Africa’s future, with a focus on strengthening governance capacities, anticipating crises, promoting regional integration, and supporting political transitions.

The APO has already made significant strides, with over 1,000 participants, 4 heads of government, 50 ministers, and 20 partner organizations in attendance, and has been covered by over 400 international press articles.

The summit is expected to produce a comprehensive report outlining key recommendations and perspectives on governance and development in Africa, which will be shared with policymakers and stakeholders across the continent.

Mangochi Hails Lipipa as a Beacon of Justice Amid Amaryllis Hotel Inquiry

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By Vincent Gunde

Karonga based rights activist Comrade Lytone Mangochi, has saluted a member of the public inquiry in the on going public enquiry for Amaryllis Hotel sale, Noel Lipipa for standing on justice.

Lipipa who is Member of Parliament for Blantyre- Chilomoni constituency courageously faulted the Public Accounts Committee ( PAC) of Parliament Chairperson Baba Steve Malondera for being compromised in the way he was asking questions to a fellow MCP member Prince Kapondamgaga.

Mangochi said the Amaryllis Hotel sale has made Malawians to forget that MCP abused billions of Kwachas for  fertilizer in the butchery and pharmacy.

Lipipa



Speaking through a video clip from outside  Parliament Building in Lilongwe, Mangochi has appealed to President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika not to be threatened by HRDCs ultimatum of 21 days to fire all those suspected to have played their hands in the Amaryllis Hotel sale.

Mangochi has claimed that civil servants during the five years of President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera were taken as animals not humans observing that many pensioners have died without accessing their money.

He has advised the new government of the DPP to bring back the Pension Scheme to the way it was being run during the reign of Ngwazi Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda where pensioners were treated with respect they deserve.

The activist said civil servants have not benefited with the Public Service Pension Trust Fund buying hotels when the owners of these monies were suffering moving up and down stairs of Capital Hill only to go back home empty handed.

He has asked President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika to watch out of what is happening in Parliament observing that there’s politics going on in Parliament and if care is not taken, the fall of the DPP will come from Parliament itself.

Mangochi said it is only the court to prove a suspect guilty or not, advising President Professor Mutharika to allow due process of the law to take place before firing suspects in government.

” People are now smearing mud on DPP senior members such as Dr. Ben Phiri, Alfred Gangata, Peter Mukhitho, Joseph  Mwanamvekha, Norman Chisale, and others, for benefiting from Amaryllis Hotel sale,” said Mangochi.

He has assured Professor Mutharika that once these senior members of the DPP are fired, then, this will be the end of the DPP and there will be no DPP.

On the 21 days given by the HRDC, Mangochi has called on Malawians to lest they forget about the HRDC challenging it to give that 21 days to Dr. Chakwera who has stolen a lot of public resources in government at the time he was President of this country.

Mangochi has finally advised the DPP and the Blue Alliance partners to work together with love and one common interest of serving the people first money second, thanking them that Malawians out there are happy with what government is doing to them.

Hong Kong Police get sweeping powers to demand device passwords


By Burnett Munthali

Hong Kong’s police have been granted sweeping powers to demand phone and computer passwords from individuals suspected of breaching the city’s national security law, marking a significant escalation in the government’s crackdown on dissent.

The new amendments, gazetted on Monday, empower police to require suspects to provide any password or decryption method for electronic devices, as well as “any reasonable and necessary information or assistance”.



Refusing to comply could lead to up to one year’s imprisonment and a fine of up to HK$100,000 ($12,773), while providing false or misleading information could bring up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to HK$500,000.

The move is part of the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020, which has been used to jail activists, lawmakers, and media figures, sparking international criticism.

Customs officers have also been given new powers to seize items deemed to have “seditious intention”, regardless of whether anyone has been arrested.

The Hong Kong government insists the amendments conform to the city’s Basic Law and human rights provisions, and will not affect the lives of the general public or normal institutional operations.

However, critics argue that the new provisions interfere with fundamental liberties, including privacy and fair trial rights, and are grossly disproportionate to any legitimate aim.

Law lecturer Urania Chiu said the sweeping powers given to law enforcement officers without judicial authorization are “grossly disproportionate to any legitimate aim the bylaw purports to achieve”.

The amendments were made under Article 43 implementation rules tied to the national security law, and officials said lawmakers would be briefed afterward rather than being involved in the decision-making process.

Flames ready for Zambia clash in Mukuru Four Nations Tournament

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By Burnett Munthali

Malawi’s national football team, the Flames, is set to face Zambia in the Mukuru Four Nations tournament, scheduled to kick off on March 28, 2026, in Francistown, Botswana.

The draw for the tournament was held today, pitting the Flames against the Zambian team in a highly anticipated match.

The winner of the Malawi-Zambia match will face the winner of the Botswana-Zimbabwe game in the semi-finals.



The losers of the semi-finals will play each other to determine the third-place team.

Flames coach Kalisto Pasuwa is expected to announce his squad for the tournament at a press conference later today.

Pasuwa will need to decide on the team that will take on Zambia, a formidable opponent in the region.

The Flames have been preparing hard for the tournament and are looking to make a mark in the competition.

The team has been training intensively, and Pasuwa is confident that they will put up a good fight against Zambia.

The Mukuru Four Nations tournament is a great opportunity for the Flames to test their skills against top-notch teams in the region.

The tournament will feature four teams, and the Flames are eager to make a statement.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from March 28 to March 31, 2026, in Francistown, Botswana.

The Flames will be looking to make the most of this opportunity and bring pride to Malawian football fans.

Iran cracks down on online dissent: 466 arrested for “stirring public opinion”



By Burnett Munthali

Iran’s police have arrested 466 individuals accused of “stirring public opinion” and conducting “online propaganda in favour of the enemy,” according to state media reports.

This move is part of a larger security sweep, with over 1,000 arrests reported this month for similar offenses.

The arrests follow intelligence and technical monitoring in recent days, with authorities alleging the individuals were connected to “enemy” networks seeking to create internal instability.


Those arrested face accusations of filming sensitive locations, sharing anti-government content online, or “cooperating with the enemy”.

This crackdown is one of the largest security sweeps since the start of the war with Israel and the United States, highlighting Iran’s intensified efforts to suppress dissent.

The government has been accused of using vague charges to restrict freedom of expression and online activities.

The international community has expressed concern over Iran’s human rights record, with reports of arbitrary arrests, torture, and enforced disappearances.

Human rights organizations have condemned the crackdown, calling for immediate action to protect citizens’ rights.

Iran’s actions have sparked fears of further repression, with many wondering what’s next for the country’s online landscape.