APM tells Chakwera law will take its course

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

President Peter Mutharika has defended the recent arrests of members of the opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP), telling his predecessor Lazarus Chakwera that law enforcement agencies will continue arresting individuals where there is clear evidence of wrongdoing.

Mutharika addressed Chakwera on the matter during a phone call made on Monday, following growing political tension over what the former president describes as politically motivated arrests.

President Mutharika assured Chakwera that his administration is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all arrested individuals are brought before the courts within the shortest possible time.

The president reportedly emphasized that arrests under his administration differ significantly from what he termed political arrests during Chakwera’s time in office.

Mutharika is said to have told Chakwera that during his administration, several arrests were made without sufficient evidence, resulting in no convictions.

“This time, arrests are based on clear evidence, and suspects will face trial,” Mutharika reportedly told the former president during the call.

Chakwera, who is the former president and current leader of the MCP, confirmed through a statement that he contacted Mutharika to complain about what he called politically driven arrests targeting members of his party.

He specifically cited the arrests of senior MCP officials, including Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda, as examples of what he described as abuse of state power.

On Monday, 19 January 2026, Chakwera formally engaged President Mutharika to express concern over what he termed a worrying trend of arrests aimed at intimidating the opposition.

Chakwera’s spokesperson, Gift Nankhuni, said the former president is deeply concerned about the deterioration of the rule of law and due process in the country.

Nankhuni noted that while Chakwera respects the constitutional mandate of the Malawi Police Service, he believes the recent wave of arrests is politically influenced.

According to Nankhuni, the arrests allegedly followed remarks by political leadership within the Ministry of Homeland Security which he claims singled out MCP members as targets.

The former president has since called upon the international community and local stakeholders to closely monitor the situation.

He urged civil society organizations, the Malawi Law Society, the Public Affairs Committee, the Ombudsman, the Malawi Human Rights Commission and the media to remain vigilant against what he called possible abuse of police powers.

In an interview, good governance expert Wonderful Mkhutche said the situation highlights the fragile balance between law enforcement and political neutrality in Malawi democracy.

Mkhutche noted that while the state has a legitimate duty to investigate and prosecute crime, the process must be transparent and free from political influence.

“The real test for the current administration is not how many people are arrested, but how many cases are successfully prosecuted through credible evidence and fair trials,” Mkhutche said.

He added that perceptions of political bias can erode public trust in institutions, even where arrests may be legally justified.

Mkhutche further warned that statements by political leaders, especially those overseeing security agencies, can easily be interpreted as directives, whether intended or not.

“Political leaders must exercise restraint in their public comments to avoid creating an impression that law enforcement is being used as a political tool,” he said.

The expert also called on oversight institutions to play an active role in safeguarding due process and human rights.

As the debate continues, the Malawi Police Service has maintained that all arrests are conducted professionally and in accordance with the law.

However, the growing public exchange between Mutharika and Chakwera underscores deepening mistrust between the ruling party and the opposition.