General Horta Nta Na Man takes charge as Guinea-Bissau enters military-led transition

General Horta Nta Na Man has been sworn in as the transitional president of Guinea-Bissau following the removal of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló in a military coup.

The armed forces announced the takeover after a disputed election that deepened political tensions across the nation.

Military spokespersons said the coup was necessary because the country’s stability had deteriorated under months of political deadlock.

They accused the outgoing administration of failing to safeguard national cohesion and allowing divisions to paralyse governance.

According to the junta, the disputed election undermined public trust and left the nation facing what they described as an institutional crisis.

A one-year transition period has now been declared to restore constitutional order and prepare for fresh elections.

General Na Man, in his inaugural remarks, pledged to stabilise the country and ensure an inclusive political process.

He also promised that the armed forces would not cling to power beyond the designated transition timeline.

Regional observers and international partners are closely monitoring developments amid renewed concerns about democratic backsliding in West Africa.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for calm and urged a swift return to civilian rule.

Guinea-Bissau now enters a critical phase as citizens wait to see whether the transitional leadership will deliver on its promises of reform and stability.

The success of the one-year transition will determine whether the country can overcome its recurring cycles of political turmoil.


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Social media turns stolen Malawi’s State House Dogs into national comedy sensation

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Readers on the BBC Facebook page have exploded with humour, satire, and disbelief following claims that security dogs from Malawi’s State House were stolen.

Many users immediately questioned the need for such dogs if they could disappear so easily.

Others joked that Malawians must be shooting a new blockbuster titled “The 4 German Shepherds.”

Some commenters remarked that the missing German Shepherds have now become more famous than local artists.

A few teased that the dogs were actually “expatriates” from South Africa working within the police service.

One user exclaimed “Haibo!” to express shock at the absurdity of the situation.

Another proposed a film titled “German Shepherd at Kamuzu Palace” to dramatise the incident.

Several readers urged everyone not to take the matter too seriously.

One commenter declared that “the king’s dog is king for all dogs,” suggesting that someone stole royal creatures.

Another joked that the correct movie title should be “State House German Shepherd Theft.”

Many pointed out that the story had now gone viral across all platforms.

Some claimed the dogs must have been taken as a sendoff gift when someone left State House.

Others suggested that the dogs might simply have returned to Germany on their own.

A few insisted the missing dogs must have been pedigree German Shepherds, hence the commotion.

Some users reflected humorously that Malawians love to play too much with serious matters.

Another proposed yet another film title: “The Lost Shepherds.”

Some joked that the proper headline should have read “Former President of Malawi Stole 4 German Shepherds.”

Another corrected it further, insisting it should be “Former President of Malawi Assemblies of God Stole 4 German Shepherds.”

At least one commenter distanced themselves, stating that former President Lazarus Chakwera is not their former president.

Others argued that the dogs merely followed him when he moved out and that nothing was actually stolen.

Some added humour by claiming a middleman had been arrested while the kingpin was left holding his fingers.

One reader introduced music by referencing DJ Faka’s “Who Let the Dogs Out.”

Others mocked the idea of a pastor getting involved in such a comical scandal.

Some wondered if people seriously believed Dr. Lazarus Chakwera could be accused of theft.

Others described the situation as “kuyaluka kuposa apa,” meaning extreme chaos or exaggeration.

Some mentioned that he is known as “Kwantere,” adding cultural flavour to the humour.

One warned mysteriously that “night has ears,” implying the dogs might be listening.

Another joked that Malawi is so chaotic that even mangoes get stolen.

More users repeated that the best movie title would simply be “4 German Shepherd Dogs.”

Others insisted the dogs were not stolen but followed their “fellow dog.”

Some stressed again that the whole saga is nothing more than a movie concept.

A few joked that the dogs were kidnapped, not stolen.

One commenter said the headline should have been “The Ex-Shepherd Stole Shepherds.”

Others hilariously noted that even cats have been stolen before.

Some concluded that Malawi has now become a full-time comedy series.

Many pointed out that German Shepherds are expensive and that thieves should be locked up.

Some joked that “security has been stolen,” hinting at deeper concerns.

A few insisted the missing dogs deserve recognition in the Guinness World Records.

One commenter declared the incident equivalent to kidnapping four police officers.

Another asked sarcastically whether the mother of the dogs had lodged a complaint.

Some noted that the issue has become so widespread that even the Area Chairperson must know.

Others wrapped it up by calling the entire saga “Animal Farm,” a fitting metaphor for the bizarre events.


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Castel Malawi, Ryalls Hotel announce All-White Party for loyal consumers

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-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.”

“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.


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NBM plc honours 6 Innovation Jam winners

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has awarded six outstanding innovators for their impactful solutions at the 2025 ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM) Innovation Jam Awards held in Mangochi at the weekend.

Staff Nyoni emerged the overall winner under Imagine Tech category with an assistive learning platform called ‘The Blind Classroom’ designed for visually impaired learners, a solution he says is already transforming learning outcomes.

Nyoni said his innovation emerged from witnessing first-hand the academic struggles faced by visually impaired learners.

He thanked NBM plc for believing in the project which walked away with K2.5 million and a fully funded incubation programme sponsored by the Bank.

“Sometimes an idea alone is not enough you need people who believe in it. NBM plc has shown that they believe in the work we are doing, and we are truly grateful. We also encourage other organisations to support innovations, as this will help drive national development,” said Nyoni.

Earn Mwachangu emerged winner in the FinTech and Digital Economy category, receiving K2 million and an all-expenses incubation programme scheduled to take place in Zambia in 2026, under NBM plc’s sponsorship.

Other recognised winners included Zaulimi App under Agritech category, National Digital Health Systems under eHealth, Chipatala App under She-code spotlight, and E-Flood under Open-Source category, each walked away with K1.5 million.

Speaking during the awards dinner, NBM plc Mobile and e-Money Services Manager, Enala Chirwa, said the Bank has been a consistent supporter of ICTAM’s Innovation Jam since 2019 and has significantly increased its investment in 2025.

“The 2025 edition marks our highest commitment yet, with K75.5 million invested. The Bank’s motivation is anchored on two major pillars: identifying and supporting the brightest innovative minds and providing platforms for visibility and growth for innovators,” said Chirwa.

She added that the Bank’s broader mission aligns with Malawi’s digital ambitions.

“Our strategic objective is to become the most digitalised bank in Malawi by 2027. But we cannot be the most digitalised bank if the nation itself is not digitalised. And the nation can only be digitalised if we have innovation in this space. That is why NBM plc remains committed to supporting the Innovation Jam,” she said.

Chirwa emphasised that NBM plc’s involvement goes beyond awards and monetary gifts.

“Our support does not end with giving out cash prizes. We are funding an incubation programme for the winning innovators. Over the next few months, they will undergo grooming, mentorship and technical support to help them scale and strengthen their innovations,” said Chirwa.

In his remarks, ICTAM President Clarence Gama commended NBM plc for the support and the innovators for playing a crucial role in shaping Malawi’s developmental path.

“Innovators are thinkers and this country needs thinkers if we are to move forward. Our role as ICTAM is to identify these thinkers, nurture them, and through partnerships with institutions like NBM plc and UNDP, help them turn their ideas into impactful national solutions,” said Gama.

This year, NBM plc sponsored the 2024 overall winner, Goodall Salima to go to Ghana to attend the Third Annual TICON Africa Conference. 


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Targeted Attack On National Guard, Trump Case Dismissed, Russia Awaits Peace Terms

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p class=”readrate”>Two national guard members are in critical condition after being shot near the White House. President Trump says the suspect came to the U.S. from Afghanistan. He now calls for a re-examination of all Afghan nationals.

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p class=”readrate”>There will also be no legal consequences for Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. A federal judge dismissed the last outstanding election interference case against the president in Georgia.

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p class=”readrate”>Also, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to arrive in Moscow next week, where do things stand in the ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine?

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p class=”readrate”>Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

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p class=”readrate”>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Miguel Macias, Ben Swasey, Robbie Griffiths, HJ Mai and Alice Woelfle.

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p class=”readrate”>It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.

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p class=”readrate”>We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

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Opposition MCP legislators’ Parliamentary session boycott over lawful police action on State House dogs theft is a betrayal of democratic duty

The recent boycott by Members of Parliament from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) in response to the police executing a court-approved search warrant at former President Lazarus Chakwera’s Lilongwe residence is not only misguided but a blatant abdication of their parliamentary responsibilities.

This act of defiance against lawful state operations undermines the very foundations of Malawi’s democracy and must be met with strong condemnation.

The MCP MPs’ decision to boycott parliamentary proceedings on the pretext of protecting their party leader not only disrespects the rule of law but also disrespects their constituents who elected them to serve with integrity and uphold the country’s democratic processes.

The police, mandated by law and backed by judicial authority, carried out their duty within the confines of the law.

The search warrant, authorized by a court, legitimizes the police action, emphasizing that due process was followed.

It is important to stress that the police were not acting arbitrarily or with political motives; they were enforcing the law as tasked.

To boycott parliamentary sessions because of this lawful act is to equate the execution of justice with political victimization, a dangerous and unfounded narrative that threatens to erode public trust in state institutions.

Members of Parliament are elected to represent the people and to participate in governance, including oversight of the executive and other state organs. Their decision to boycott parliament in protest of a police operation not only disrupts the legislative process but also signals a disregard for the constitutional separation of powers.

The police and the judiciary operate independently of the legislature, and MPs should respect the autonomy of these institutions.

By boycotting, MCP MPs are essentially challenging the legitimacy of the police and judiciary, which is tantamount to challenging the rule of law itself.

Moreover, the suggestion that the former president, Lazarus Chakwera, is immune from investigation or prosecution is fundamentally flawed. No one is above the law, not even a former head of state.

The principle of equality before the law is a cornerstone of democracy, ensuring accountability and justice for all citizens irrespective of their status.

To insinuate that the police action was an attempt to unlawfully target Chakwera is to undermine this principle and to promote a culture of impunity that endangers Malawi’s democratic progress.

The MCP MPs’ boycott also raises serious questions about their commitment to democratic norms and their respect for the parliamentary institution. Parliament is meant to be a forum for debate, policy formulation, and holding the executive accountable through lawful means.

When MPs resort to boycotting sessions as a form of protest against lawful actions, they undermine parliamentary procedures and dilute their responsibilities. Such actions cannot be tolerated if Malawi is to maintain a functional and credible democratic system.

The consequences of this boycott must be clear and firm. MCP MPs who chose to absent themselves without valid justification should be held accountable through the appropriate parliamentary mechanisms. Their daily allowances should be deducted, and their absences formally recorded to reflect their dereliction of duty.

This will send a strong message that parliamentary privileges come with obligations, and failure to perform these duties has tangible repercussions.

Furthermore, political parties must encourage their members to engage constructively within parliamentary processes, even when disagreements arise.

Boycotting parliament as a political weapon erodes democratic institutions and sets a dangerous precedent for future conflicts. Constructive engagement, dialogue, and respect for legal processes are essential for Malawi’s political stability and development.

It is also crucial for MCP leadership to reflect on the implications of their MPs’ boycott. Political loyalty should never come at the expense of national interest and democratic integrity.

By condoning or encouraging such actions, the party risks alienating itself from the electorate and damaging its credibility as a responsible political actor. Malawi’s democracy requires leaders who prioritize the rule of law and institutional respect over partisan interests.

The MCP MPs’ boycott of parliamentary sessions following the police’s lawful execution of a search warrant at former President Lazarus Chakwera’s residence is an unacceptable breach of their parliamentary duties. It undermines the rule of law, disrespects independent state institutions, and weakens Malawi’s democratic fabric.

These MPs must be held accountable for their misconduct through deduction of allowances and formal recording of absences. Malawi’s democracy can only thrive when political actors respect the law, uphold parliamentary responsibilities, and engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to boycott as a political tool.

The time has come for MCP MPs to put country above party and demonstrate true commitment to democratic principles.


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