Category: The Maravi Post test

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has expressed deep disappointment over the abandonment of the TNM Super League match between Mighty Wanderers and Ekhaya FC, which was stopped on 51 minutes due to heavy rainfall at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Wednesday.

Sulom’s General Secretary, Williams Banda, said in an interview that the organization is dismayed that match officials did not follow the proper procedure outlined in the league regulations.

According to the rules, matches affected by bad weather or other disruptions must be suspended for up to 40 minutes before a final decision is made on whether to resume or call off the game.

However, Banda noted that the officials in charge of the Wanderers versus Ekhaya fixture did not adhere to these guidelines, leading to confusion and frustration among players, officials and supporters.

“The regulations are very clear officials should wait for 40 minutes before making any decision. Unfortunately, that procedure was not followed in this case,” Banda emphasized.

He added that Sulom is currently gathering detailed reports from the match commissioner, referees and both teams before making a final ruling on the outcome of the game.

The body will review all submissions and take appropriate action in accordance with the league’s disciplinary code.

Banda also issued a strong warning to all match officials and supervisors, urging them to strictly follow laid down procedures whenever challenges arise during league matches.

“We expect professionalism and consistency from all those managing Super League games. Any deviation from the rules will not be tolerated,” he warned.

The match, which was being played before a few supporters at Kamuzu Stadium, had to be halted after a torrential downpour rendered the pitch unplayable. Both teams were battling for crucial points as the league season approaches its closing stages.

Supporters who attended the game were left frustrated with many calling on Sulom to strengthen its supervision of match officials to avoid similar situations in future.

Sulom is expected to release its official decision on the matter in the coming days once all relevant reports have been reviewed.

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In a recent parliamentary session, Kondwani Nankhumwa, Member of Parliament for Mulanje Central, took to the floor to urge the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leadership to demonstrate its capability by addressing the country’s pressing challenges.

While one might expect a seasoned politician like Nankhumwa to offer constructive criticism or support, his remarks seemed more like a calculated attempt to score political points rather than provide meaningful insight.

It’s intriguing that Nankhumwa would call for the DPP government to deliver tangible results when it’s barely two months into office.

Has he forgotten that the DPP has just assumed power and is still in the process of assembling its team and developing a comprehensive plan to tackle the country’s challenges? Doesn’t he know that governance is a complex process that requires time, effort, and patience?

Moreover, Nankhumwa must be aware that the fuel shortages, water shortages, and power outages that have plagued the country are largely inherited from the previous Malawi Congress Party (MCP) government. It’s unfair to expect the DPP government to have solved these problems overnight.

Doesn’t Nankhumwa think that the DPP deserves a chance to present its budget and implement its plans before being judged?

Nankhumwa’s remarks seem more like a desperate attempt to show relevance rather than a genuine call for action. It’s as if he’s trying to prove to the world that he’s still a player in Malawi’s politics.

However, his actions only serve to highlight his own failures as a politician.

Let’s not forget that Nankhumwa’s party has lost considerable membership and he’s struggling to maintain his own relevance.

Perhaps instead of criticizing the DPP, Nankhumwa should focus on promoting his own party’s agenda and rebuilding its lost momentum.

It’s also worth noting that Nankhumwa’s own electoral success can be attributed to the split in the DPP votes in his constituency.

Many have argued that he won his seat due to the presence of Rhoda Gadama, the former DPP shadow MP for Mulanje Central, who stood as an independent candidate and drew away DPP votes.

This raises questions about Nankhumwa’s own electoral mandate and whether he has the moral authority to lecture others on governance.

Nankhumwa’s remarks on the DPP government’s performance are premature and misplaced.

Instead of playing to the gallery, he should focus on constructive engagement and offer meaningful support to the government.

Alternatively, he could use his experience and expertise to promote his own party’s agenda and rebuild its lost momentum.

Either way, Malawians will be watching to see if Nankhumwa can rise above his own self-interest and contribute positively to the country’s development.

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SHOBHA SHUKLA – CNS

The human right to health is not a privilege, tt is a legal obligation – rooted in international human rights law – and must form the foundation of all efforts toward universal access, equity, and justice. Protecting, implementing, and enforcing this right is essential for the wellbeing of women, girls, and all gender-diverse peoples.

Yet, across the world, sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice (SRHRJ) are increasingly under threat. Regressive policies, shrinking civic space, and a weakening of global solidarity are rolling back hard-won gains, particularly for those already on the margins.

According to UN Women, nearly one-in-four countries experienced a backlash against women’s rights in 2024 alone. From abortion restrictions and defunding of SRHRJ programmes to rising attacks on gender-diverse peoples, the erosion of rights has become systemic. The urgency to act – and to act together – has never been greater.

Translate rights into access and principles into practice

“Operationalising the demands of the right to health requires more than commitments on paper,” said Alison Drayton, Assistant Secretary General, CARICOM, Guyana, stressing the need for systems, partnerships, and accountability mechanisms. CARICOM refers to the Caribbean Community, a grouping of 21 countries (15 member countries and 6 associate members) in the Americas and the Caribbean.

“Through our multilateral cooperation on universal health coverage, gender equality, and reproductive and sexual health, we must collectively translate rights into access and principles into practice. We are investing in integrated primary healthcare, gender-responsive budgeting, and data systems that make inequities visible and actionable. But this journey is not easy,” she said.

For Alison, the core challenge is ensuring that people remain at the centre of health systems. “Health is not a privilege – it is the foundation of humanity and sustainability. Every woman should be able to give birth safely, every adolescent should have access to accurate information, and every person – regardless of gender, income, or geography – should be able to lead a healthy life. Let us be bold in our vision and reaffirm that health, equity, and rights are indispensable – and that our collective responsibility is to make them real for every community we serve.”

What does the right to health mean?

“The right to health is not simply an obligation – it is a deep commitment,” explained Dr Haileyesus Getahun, founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Center for Health Diplomacy and Inclusion (CeHDI). Dr Getahun also leads HeDPAC (Health Development Platform for Africa and the Caribbean) that works with like-minded governments, particularly in Africa and the Caribbean regions, to forge South-South partnerships that address pressing health challenges and achieve universal health coverage. He earlier served the UN health agency, the World Health Organization (WHO) for over two decades, and was the founding Director of Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). AMR is among the top 10 global health threats.

Dr Getahun underscored that the right to health has been enshrined in several international treaties, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, ratified by 174 countries.

“It entails three key obligations for governments,” he said. “First, they must respect by not interfering with citizens’ enjoyment of their health and wellbeing. Second, they must protect by ensuring that no harm is brought to this enjoyment. And third, they must fulfill these obligations by establishing administrative systems that ensure every person in their country can realise this right.”

Dr Getahun describes the right to health as the gateway to universal health coverage, encompassing all services for all people without discrimination. “Sexual and reproductive health is an integral part of that right,” he said.

International instruments like the legally-binding treaty adopted in 1979 – the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), further reinforce these commitments.

“We need to remind our governments that they have signed these international obligations,” he said. “Countries like Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Mexico, and El Salvador have shown how partnerships and learnings can lead to real progress. We can do more, we can do better, if we work together.”

Brazil’s rights-based model

One of the countries that has made notable progress in advancing the right to health through rights-based approaches is Brazil. Dr Ana Luiza Caldas, Brazil’s Vice Minister of Health shared how her country’s community-based primary healthcare approach has strengthened universal health coverage. “For the past 35 years, we have focused on connecting with the people we serve. Listening to communities and understanding what people actually need helps us design responsive SRH programmes – like providing free condoms in schools and health units.”

She stressed that access to quality healthcare is a human right, not a privilege. “Policies must be shaped by people’s needs. When we listen, we build trust and inclusion.”

“Access to quality healthcare should never be a privilege – it is a human right,” she re-emphasised. “By working in partnerships and staying close to the people, we can make that right real.”

Long walk to gender justice

For Aysha Amin, Founder of Baithak (Challenging Taboo) Pakistan, the right to health remains a distant dream for women and girls in marginalised communities. “Despite SRHRJ being so crucial for everyone, especially young girls and women, it is still not a priority. This is not just a health issue – it is a gender justice issue,” she said.

She highlighted how gender inequality and climate change intersect to compound vulnerability. “In communities most affected by climate disasters, health systems collapse. Floods wash away medical facilities. Women give birth in unsafe, makeshift conditions. Adolescent girls manage menstruation without facilities for water, sanitation and hygiene – often under open skies, risking infections and gender-based violence. This is a serious violation of dignity and safety.”

For Amin, the path forward requires centring the lived experiences of women and girls. “We need to create safe spaces where young women not only receive information but also reflect, question, and demand their rights. Building leadership among women and girls is essential so they can hold local governments accountable – especially in times of disaster.”

She also called for a shift in male engagement strategies, which often remain superficial. “In countries like Pakistan, decisions about women’s bodies are still made by men. We need to engage men as allies – challenging patriarchal norms and rethinking masculinity – thus helping to create space for women in decision-making, not take those spaces away. Male engagement must move beyond tokenism to transformative change.”

Amin also underscored the need for qualitative data to complement statistics. “Numbers alone cannot show what it means when an unmarried woman is denied care, or when a transgender person is refused access, or when a woman with disability is unable to access healthcare. Their stories reveal the intersectional inequalities that health systems must address.”

Countering media silence and anti-rights narratives

In many societies, SRHRJ remains taboo – not because people do not experience these issues, but because they are deemed unfit for public discourse.

“In my country, Indonesia, we cannot talk openly about comprehensive sexuality education,” said Betty Herlina, an Indonesian journalist and Founder Editor of Bincang Perempuan (Bahasa-language media focussed on gender justice). She is also a noted SRHRJ advocate. “If I distribute a condom in public, people would say that I am ‘promoting free sex.’ That is the bias we must break.”

Herlina urged media professionals to frame SRHRJ as a public health and human rights issue, not a moral or political one.

Patriarchy and harmful gender biases within and through media

Herlina noted that media indifference is part of the problem. “Not all media houses want to cover SRHRJ – it is not seen as an ‘attractive’ topic.” She urged media professionals to frame SRHRJ as a public health and human rights issue, and not as a moral or political one.

“While reporting on unplanned pregnancies or abortion, journalists must remember that women still have the right to medical care. It is our duty to verify government claims and bring evidence-based narratives to the public,” said Herlina.

She added that data-driven journalism can counter misinformation around SRHRJ and push for policy change. “We need to document stories of people affected by restrictive policies to humanise these issues.”

We need to counter harmful gender biases, norms and stereotypes and challenge patriarchy within and through media.

Betty Herlina was also conferred upon the 1st Prize in Asia Pacific Region: SHE & Rights Media Awards 2025 at the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP 2025) in Bogota, Colombia. SHE & Rights is together hosed by CeHDI, ICFP 2025, IPPF, ARROW, WGNRR, CNS and partners. Sai Jyothirmai Racherla, Deputy Executive Director of Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW) conferred the award citation to Betty Herlina at ICFP Live Stage in presence of Dr Haileyesus Getahun and others.

Reclaiming health as a human right

For Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, this right is far from abstract – it is a living testimony to justice, autonomy, and equity.

“Our health systems must be inclusive, gender-responsive, and grounded in human rights. But around the world, access to SRH services is being restricted, healthcare workers are being silenced, and ideology is replacing evidence,” she said.

She cautioned that conditional funding – where financial aid depends on limiting support for certain groups – undermines human rights. “Funding cannot be conditional. Maternal health, SRH, and universal health coverage must not be seen as competing agendas. They are interconnected and part of the same promise of human dignity,” she asserted.

Dr Mofokeng urged governments and global institutions to invest in equity and intersectionality. “We must ensure that adolescents, LGBTIQ+ persons, people with disabilities, migrants, and others at the margins are not left behind. Health diplomacy must serve justice, not conditionality. Our movements need comprehensive, unrestricted resources to continue their work.”

The way forward

The Right to Health provides a moral and legal compass for achieving gender equality. But realising it requires political will, inclusive governance, collective action and sustained investment. As the world grapples with climate crises, rising inequalities, and anti-rights movements, reaffirming health as a human right becomes a powerful act of resistance and hope.

Ensuring that no one is left behind means building systems that listen to communities, amplify marginalised voices, and turn commitments into action. The right to health is not merely about survival – it is about freedom, justice, and the promise of a fairer world.

Shobha Shukla – CNS (Citizen News Service)

(Shobha Shukla is a feminist, health and development justice advocate, and an award-winning founding Managing Editor and Executive Director of CNS (Citizen News Service). She was also the Lead Discussant for SDG-3 at United Nations inter-governmental High Level Political Forum (HLPF 2025). She is a former senior Physics faculty of prestigious Loreto Convent College; current President of Asia Pacific Regional Media Alliance for Health, Gender and Development Justice (APCAT Media); Chairperson of Global AMR Media Alliance (GAMA received AMR One Health Emerging Leaders and Outstanding Talents Award 2024); and Host of SHE & Rights (Sexual Health with Equity & Rights). Follow her on Twitter/X @shobha1shukla or read her writings here www.bit.ly/ShobhaShukla)

–              Shared under Creative Commons (CC)

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Michelle Obama is recalling one of her last conversations with her mother, Marian Robinson.

The former First Lady, 61, discussed Marian, who died in May 2024 at age 86, during a Wednesday, November 5 event in New York City to promote her latest book, The Look.

Obama shared that she finally understood why Marian had started preparing her and brother Craig Robinson for her death when they were kids.

“What she was doing was letting us know that she loved us, but that we could live life with and without her, and I understand that now as a parent,” Obama said, per People.

Michelle Obama Says Husband Barack Joked ‘You’re Next Up’ After Mom’s Death

She said that she wants daughters Malia, 27, and Sasha, 24, whom she shares with her husband, former President Barack Obama, “to know, ‘I love you, you love me, but you don’t need me. You know everything you need to know to be successful.’”

Obama cared for Marian toward the end of her life. According to People, as mother and daughter sat on the couch one day, Marian told Obama, “Wow, that was quick.”

Obama asked her what she meant by that, and Marian responded with one word: “Life.”

“That’s all she said, but what I got from that was even in her practical-minded way, that you’re never ready,” Michelle explained. “And I don’t think that she was done living. It just comes, and then life is over. I was like, ‘Let me hear that. Let me understand that, that even with a wonderful life, I want to be present.’”

Michelle Obama Talks About ‘Deal’ With Barack and Their Bedroom Battle

Obama celebrated her 60th birthday in January 2024. 

“I think that feeling of 60 is about trying to be present in the feeling,” she said Wednesday. “Trying to be present in this moment in my life so that this last chapter is exactly the way I want it to be.”

She said that as she reached the milestone age, “I realized how much breath-holding and decision-making I was doing to ensure my girls would turn out whole.”

Now that her kids are in their 20s, “This is the first time in my life where every single decision I make is mine,” she said. “It’s what I want to do. … What do I want, what do I feel? This is the first time that I’ve been able to do that for me, no excuses. That means that the consequences are mine, too, and there’s a freedom with that.”

Why Michelle Obama Is ‘So Glad’ She Didn’t Have a Son With Barack Obama

She added: “If I’m lucky, I live to 90 and that’s 30 good summers.”

Recently, Obama told People that she inherited a beauty habit from Marian: A full commitment to hair-color maintenance. 

“I’m coloring that gray hair,” she said. “I’m not wincing [when I see one], but I’m not leaving it there long.”

She explained: “My mother was the same way. My mother dyed her hair until the day she died. She had a beautiful sandy color blonde that mixed in well with the gray. I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m going to be doing that too.’”

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The results of a paternity test reportedly prove that Cardi B’s boyfriend, NFL player Stefon Diggs, is the father of model Aileen Lopera’s baby girl.

“The paternity has been confirmed. Mr. Diggs is the father of the child,” Lopera’s lawyer, Tamar Arminak, told Page Six on Wednesday, November 5. “Now that the child’s paternity has been established and Mr. Diggs has acknowledged his daughter, my client hopes they can work toward being great parents to their child.”

Arminak noted that the case has not been dismissed and “will move forward if the parties are not able to resolve [their issue] themselves.”

Lopera, known as Lord Giselle on Instagram, filed a paternity suit against Diggs, 31, in Los Angeles in December 2024. She requested legal and physical custody of her baby, who was born in April. Lopera named her Charliee Harper Diggs-Lopera.

Cardi B’s Boyfriend Stefon Diggs Being Sued by Another Woman for Paternity

In her filing, Lopera also asked the court to order Diggs to pay child support and cover the expenses related to her pregnancy and legal fees.

In July, the New England Patriots wide receiver responded to the suit. He said he wasn’t certain that he was the father and requested genetic testing. He also asked for joint legal and physical custody of the child if the DNA test proved paternity.

“My client looks forward to the day Mr. Diggs acknowledges and provides for his infant daughter in Los Angeles,” Arminak told Us Weekly in September. 

That month, Cardi, 33, revealed in an interview with Gayle King, “I’m having a baby with my boyfriend, Stefon Diggs. I’m excited.”

Pregnant Cardi B Addresses Boyfriend Stefon Diggs’ Paternity Suit

She added: “I’m happy. I feel like I’m in a good space. I feel very strong, very powerful that I’m doing all this work — but I’m doing all this work while I’m creating a baby.”

Earlier this week, Diggs revealed during his appearance at the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City that he and Cardi are expecting a boy and he’s due “soon.”

Cardi and her ex, Offset, share three children: Kulture Kiari Cephus, 7, Wave Set Cephus, 4, and Blossom Belle, 1. 

Cardi told King, 70, that Diggs makes her feel “safe and very confident and very strong.” He recently gave her a pep talk while she was upset amid the release of her latest album, Am I the Drama

Cardi B Is Pregnant With Baby No. 4, Her 1st With Boyfriend Stefon Diggs

“I was like crying and crying and crying, just because I was getting really nervous with the whole album rollout,” the rapper explained at the time. “People were coming at me very hard; you know, sometimes people love you, people hate you. And people was just saying very mean things about me.”

Cardi continued, “I was like, ‘See, this is why I don’t put music out?’ This is my art and something I put a lot of time to and it’s just like sometimes, when people just rip it apart, it just hurts you and it crushes you. And he was just like, ‘Girl, you better get it together.’ … I feel like feeling safe, feeling confident, it makes you feel like you can take over the world.”

She recently reacted to Lopera’s suit and seemed unbothered, remarking via an Instagram Live, “That’s your baby daddy, bitch? That’s my baby daddy too. Well, what now? I don’t f***ing know. We’ll figure it out, bitch.”

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Travis Kelce is enjoying a week off from football, which means he’s free to hold with no penalties … and he’s taking full advantage … holding on tight to Taylor Swift on their way in to a romantic dinner. The “Wood” singer and her NFL star…

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Cops in North Carolina can apparently beat the crap out of a suspect on video and go to work like nothing happened … because that’s what is playing out right now in Greensboro. Folks are outraged over a clip that’s going viral … it shows at…

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BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-James Brown Mpinganjira, a seasoned politician and former MCP stalwart, has defected to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), citing the party’s commitment to the welfare of Malawians.

However, not everyone is welcoming Mpinganjira’s move, with political commentator Mathews Namukhoyo urging the DPP to exercise caution.

According to Mpinganjira, his decision to leave the MCP was motivated by the party’s failure to deliver on its promises to Malawians.

“It was just a waste of time to be in MCP as it failed Malawians,” Mpinganjira said, adding that, “But DPP is the only party that has the heart of Malawians, and I’m excited to be part of a team that is working tirelessly to improve the lives of our people.”

However, Mpinganjira’s track record has raised eyebrows, with many questioning his motives for joining the DPP.

Mpinganjira previously defected from the DPP to the MCP, where he campaigned vigorously for the party and disparaged the DPP, claiming it would not win. Now, he’s singing a different tune, sparking accusations of opportunism.

Namukhoyo, a vocal political commentator, has cautioned the DPP against welcoming Mpinganjira, describing him as a “greedy and prostitute politician.” “DPP should not allow any greedy politicians who just want to harvest when they didn’t sow,” Namukhoyo warned , adding that, “The party should work only with those who risked their lives and refused monetary incentives from MCP.”

Namukhoyo’s sentiments are echoed by many who feel that Mpinganjira’s defection is a blatant attempt to jump on the DPP bandwagon.

“These are people who were eating well in MCP, and now they’re coming to DPP just because they smell food,” said one MCP supporter, adding that, ”We shouldn’t forget that Mpinganjira was one of the most vocal MCP supporters when it suited him. Why should we trust him now?”

The DPP has yet to comment on Mpinganjira’s defection, but the party’s leadership will likely face pressure to clarify its stance on the matter.

As the party considers Mpinganjira’s application, it remains to be seen whether it will heed Namukhoyo’s warning or give Mpinganjira a chance to prove himself.

One thing is certain, however: Mpinganjira’s defection has sparked controversy, and only time will tell if it’s a wise move or a misstep.

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-A renewed political storm is brewing over the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others, as lawmakers trade accusations over calls for a fresh investigation.

Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Mpenu, Eisenhower Mkaka, has urged the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leadership to institute a new inquiry into the fatal crash, saying Malawians deserve the truth behind the incident.

Mkaka reminded Parliament that the Minister of Justice had earlier pledged to revisit the matter to clear the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) of any lingering allegations surrounding the tragedy.

“The nation deserves to know the truth. This investigation is not about politics but about justice and accountability for the lives that were lost,” Mkaka said.

His remarks came after UTM parliamentary leader Patricia Kaliati renewed her own demand for a comprehensive and transparent investigation, insisting that only an independent inquiry could restore public confidence in the government’s handling of the crash.

However, in a sharp turn, Kaliati later criticized Mkaka’s call, accusing the MCP of hypocrisy. She argued that the governmentthen under the MCPmade a “decisive but tragic” mistake when it allegedly ordered rescue teams to halt the search, a decision she believes contributed to the deaths of Chilima and the other victims.

“It is hypocritical for the MCP to now demand a new investigation when they were the ones who told rescuers to stop searching. That decision cost lives,” Kaliati charged.

The exchange underscores growing political tension as Malawians continue to demand clarity and accountability in the wake of the nation’s loss.

Calls for a fresh, independent probe continue to echo across the political divide, reflecting the deep public yearning for closure and justice.

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…Lin adamant on bail application despite being a proven flight risk…

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-As the bail hearing for convicted wildlife trafficker Yunhua Lin on fresh corruption charges is set for tomorrow, environmentalists and anti-corruption activists are calling on Festino Maele, recently appointed as Malawi’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), to recuse himself from the case to avoid a conflict of interest.

Maere has been representing Lin in a corruption case in which the Chinese national is accused of attempting to bribe a High Court judge and prison officials to secure his release.

The case arose shortly after Lin’s controversial presidential pardon in July, which was followed by his re-arrest by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

Flight Risk Concerns
Lin’s recent bail applications have been repeatedly denied over fears that he is a flight risk.

Last month, Principal Resident Magistrate Benjamin Chulu dismissed his application, agreeing with state prosecutor Peter Sambani from the ACB that Lin was likely to abscond trial.

Sambani argued that Lin’s family members — who were convicted alongside him — fled to China immediately after being pardoned, raising fears that Lin would do the same if granted bail.

This is not the first time Lin’s bid for freedom has been rejected.

In March last year, Deputy Chief Justice Lovemore Chikopa, sitting as a Supreme Court of Appeal judge, dismissed a similar application, echoing concerns over Lin’s flight risk.

In his ruling, Chikopa noted: “The state presented an affidavit by a police officer showing that while lawfully committed to prison, the applicant had been enjoying irregular time out. He is to that extent a flight risk.

If he can leave and return to prison at will while serving a sentence, there is nothing to stop him from leaving Malawi altogether and frustrating the final disposal of the anticipated appeal while on bail.”

Conflict of Interest Fears
Despite these previous court rejections, Lin — through Maele — has filed yet another bail application, set for hearing before the High Court on Friday.

However, Maere’s recent appointment as the country’s top prosecutor has sparked alarm among activists.

Environmental and anti-corruption advocates argue that his continued involvement in Lin’s case, or any other cases he previously handled as a private lawyer, could compromise the independence of the prosecution service.

“The appointment of Fostino Maele as DPP, while he has been representing a notorious wildlife convict, raises serious concerns about conflict of interest,” said Mathews Malata, a prominent environmentalist, in an interview with Maravi Post.

“To maintain public trust and uphold the rule of law, DPP Maere must recuse himself from any involvement in this case.”

Malata added that justice must be allowed to take its course without political or institutional interference.

“As a key member of the new government, DPP Maele has an opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to protecting our natural resources and upholding the rule of law.

“We hope the Democratic Progressive Party-led government will take environmental crimes seriously, in line with its manifesto,” he said.

International Scrutiny
Lin’s wildlife and corruption cases have drawn widespread international attention, becoming a litmus test for Malawi’s resolve in tackling wildlife trafficking and corruption.

Experts warn that poor handling of such high-profile cases could undermine donor confidence in a country already grappling with severe social and economic challenges, including acute hunger.

While the international community has commended Malawi’s judiciary for securing a landmark conviction and lengthy prison term against Lin, it has also criticized the former president Lazarus Chakwera’s decision to pardon him.

The UK-based Telegraph quoted Paul Mvula, a local governance and human rights advocate, who questioned whether Lin met the conditions for clemency — such as serving at least half his sentence and demonstrating good behavior.

New state charges now allege that Lin attempted to bribe a judge and prison officials while still in custody.

“This pardon raises serious governance issues,” Mvula told The Telegraph. “We believe the President may have been misinformed and urge a review and possible reversal of the clemency.”

A ranger from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, speaking anonymously to The Telegraph, voiced concern that Lin’s release could embolden other traffickers and demoralize conservation workers.

“His arrest was a turning point,” the ranger said. “Letting him go undoes years of sacrifice by rangers and investigators.”

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