High court dismisses chief secretary’s application to overturn MDF officers’ stay order

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The High Court in Lilongwe has dismissed an application by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet to discharge a stay order obtained by five senior Malawi Defence Force (MDF) officers, challenging their redeployment to civilian institutions.

Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda ruled that the substantive judicial review proceedings will be heard in open court on January 16, 2026.

The five officers, Major Generals Francis Kakhuta Banda, Swithun Mchungula, Chikunkha Soko, Saiford Kalisha, and Brigadier General Harold Dzoole, had filed an application on November 20, 2025, seeking a stay of their secondments and permission to pursue judicial review.

The court initially granted the stay and leave to commence judicial review, but the hearing was halted following an application by the Attorney General on December 10, 2025, seeking to discharge the stay order.

The redeployment of these senior MDF officers to civilian institutions, including roles as directors of security at state-owned enterprises such as ESCOM, NOCMA, ADMARC, and EGENCO, has sparked controversy.

Critics argue that the move risks politicizing the MDF and undermining its institutional integrity.

Lawyer for the MDF officers, Alan Chinula SC, confirmed that arguments in the judicial review will proceed on the scheduled date, stating, “We have been granted permission to proceed with the judicial review application and interim relief orders against the redeployments”

The court’s decision has been seen as a significant development in the ongoing debate about the government’s handling of security personnel redeployments.

Observers warn that such moves could compromise the independence and effectiveness of national security organs, and call for transparent and justified personnel movements.

The affected officers’ challenge to their redeployment is seen as a test of the government’s commitment to respecting institutional norms and the rule of law.

The outcome of the judicial review is eagerly awaited, with implications for the future of security governance in Malawi.

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Tension rises in Sironko as police deny shooting Bobi Wine’s NUP supporter: Uganda 2026 polls

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SIRONKO-(MaraviPost)-Uganda Police have dismissed claims that a National Unity Platform (NUP) supporter was shot during the party’s campaign activities in Sironko District.

The individual, identified as Lubulwa Hamza, sustained a head injury during a scuffle after resisting arrest, not from gunfire, according to police.

Hamza was driving recklessly, ignored orders to stop after overtaking the convoy of NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), and nearly caused an accident, prompting his interception.

Authorities insist there is no medical evidence of a gunshot wound and have urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue.

The incident has sparked rising tensions ahead of the 2026 elections, with conflicting accounts from NUP supporters and police.

Elgon Region Police spokesperson SP Rogers Taitika emphasized that allegations of a shooting are false and unsupported by clinical evidence.

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MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo’s health is deteriorating in prison

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo’s health is deteriorating at Maula Prison in the capital Lilongwe.

Chimwendo lawyer George Jivason Kadzipatike says “My client is suffering”.

Kadzipatike added that the Dowa East lawmaker is yet to be charged.

He expressed worrisome on the bail ruling delays, which Justice Mzondi Mvula promised to deliver via email, has yet to come.

Kadzipatike says, “We are still waiting for the bail ruling up to now. I keep checking my mail box but the ruling is yet to come.

“My client continues to suffer unlawful detention as the State has not formally charged him before any Court. He has been in custody for over three weeks, having surrendered himself to police on 12 December, 2025.His health is deteriorating.”

Chimwendo Banda is accused of attempted murder on Frank Chiwanda in 2022 in Dowa District.

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Rumphi central’s By-election campaign heats up as parties gear up

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MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-The battle for Rumphi Central Constituency is intensifying as political parties prepare for the upcoming by-election, triggered by Enock Chihana’s appointment as Second Vice President.

AFORD, the party that won the seat in the September 16 polls, will field its Deputy Secretary General Paul Nyirenda, while UTM has nominated Mathews Mtumbuka, who was Dalitso Kabambe’s running mate in the last presidential election. DPP’s candidate is Yelemiya Chihana.

Today, AFORD President Enock Chihana will hold a public rally at Rumphi Boma, where he’ll update the public on the AFORD/DPP Alliance’s agenda and development plans.

This comes amid speculation about the alliance’s future, following Yeremia Chihana’s decision to join DPP, raising questions about AFORD’s autonomy.

The Malawi Electoral Commission has yet to announce the by-election dates, but the contest is expected to be fierce, with multiple parties vying for the seat.

Rumphi Central has historically been a competitive constituency, with AFORD’s Enock Chihana winning the seat in 2011 and 2019.

The by-election will test the parties’ strength and alliances, particularly the DPP-AFORD partnership.

As the campaign heats up, voters will be looking for promises of development and progress.

With the stakes high, the outcome is far from certain.

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EU calls for restraint as US strikes Venezuela, Maduro captured

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BRUSSELS-(MaraviPost)-The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has called for restraint and respect for international law following the US strikes in Venezuela, where President Nicolas Maduro was captured.

Kallas emphasized that the EU has repeatedly stated Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition.

In a statement, Kallas said she had spoken with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the EU’s ambassador in Caracas, ensuring the safety of EU citizens in Venezuela is the bloc’s top priority.

“Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected,” she urged.

The EU’s position comes after US President Donald Trump announced the capture of Maduro and his wife, flown out of the country.

Venezuela’s government denounced the “military aggression” by the US, declaring a national emergency.

International reactions

  • Mexico condemned the US operation, calling for UN intervention and respect for international law.
  • Colombia urged de-escalation, prioritizing regional peace.
  • Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa supported the US action, labeling Maduro a “narcochavista”.

The EU has not recognized Maduro’s disputed 2024 election victory, imposing sanctions on Venezuelan officials for undermining democracy.

European Council President Antonio Costa echoed Kallas’ call for de-escalation, emphasizing respect for international law and UN principles.

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Maduro ousted: US forces capture Venezuelan leader, flies him out of country

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US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States has carried out a “large scale” strike against Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform, stating that the operation was conducted in conjunction with US law enforcement.

According to Trump, Maduro and his wife have been “captured and flown out of the country”.

The Venezuelan government has confirmed that Maduro and his wife are missing, with Vice President Delcy Rodriguez demanding “proof of life”.

The strikes, which began around 2 a.m. local time, targeted multiple locations across northern Venezuela, including the capital city of Caracas.

Reports indicate that at least seven explosions were heard, and low-flying aircraft were seen in various parts of the city.

The US has accused Maduro of running a “narco-state” and rigging the 2024 presidential election.

Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, has denied these allegations, claiming that the US is attempting to take control of Venezuela’s oil reserves.

The operation is reportedly part of Operation Southern Spear, a US military campaign targeting alleged criminal networks in Venezuela.

The US has deployed significant military assets to the region, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford.

Venezuelan opposition sources suggest that Maduro’s capture may be a “negotiated exit” with the US.

However, the Venezuelan government has denounced the military aggression, declaring a state of emergency and vowing to resist.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced that Maduro and his wife will face charges related to narcoterrorism in the US.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Maduro will stand trial on criminal charges in the US.

Trump is scheduled to hold a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida to provide further details on the operation.

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