By Burnett Munthali
The recent revelation of the Malawi Communications Authority’s (MACRA) purchase of surveillance software, purportedly aimed at combating “misinformation and disinformation,” raises significant concerns, especially given its hefty cost of $1.5 million (K4.5 billion). However, MACRA’s failure to disclose the name of the software has sparked speculation that the spyware may be the infamous Pegasus. Developed by the Israeli surveillance company NSO Group, Pegasus is known for its ability to infiltrate smartphones and extract vast amounts of data, including messages, calls, photos, and even activate the phone’s microphone and camera without the user’s knowledge. This spyware is sold exclusively to governments, with the stated purpose of aiding in the fight against crime and terrorism.
Pegasus: The spyware that can infiltrate any phone
Pegasus is a sophisticated form of spyware that has made global headlines due to its controversial use against political opponents, journalists, and human rights activists. According to various reports, including a US military write-up, Pegasus can infiltrate both iOS and Android devices without the knowledge of the owner. Once inside the phone, it can capture:
Phone calls
Text messages
Emails
Photos and videos
Location information
Device’s microphone and camera — enabling surveillance in real-time.
The software has gained notoriety for its abuse by authoritarian regimes worldwide. Although NSO Group maintains that it sells Pegasus solely to government agencies for counterterrorism and national security purposes, it has been used extensively to target dissidents, activists, and journalists, which has led to widespread human rights concerns.
The Ghana Link: Reselling Pegasus in Africa
The Investigator Magazine reports that the reselling of Pegasus in Africa has been linked to a company in Ghana. The National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana is said to have spent approximately $5.5 million to acquire the spyware, which was later misused to spy on opposition figures, journalists, and activists critical of the government. This sale and misuse of Pegasus have led to a number of legal and political challenges within Ghana, including the jailing of several officials involved in the transaction.
It is revealed that a Ghanaian company, Hashcom Ghana Ltd., under the ownership of Baba Halidu Musa, has played a central role in the installation of such systems. Hashcom has been implicated in assisting MACRA in the installation of surveillance equipment, with reports suggesting that they are using old buildings such as the MTL centre in Blantyre for covert operations. The connection between Hashcom and MACRA raises several red flags, especially concerning the legality of these surveillance activities in Malawi.
MACRA’s purchase of spyware: An alleged cover-up
The suspicion that MACRA has acquired Pegasus spyware is further heightened by the recent activities surrounding Daud Suleiman, the Director General of MACRA. While he addressed the media in defense of his organization’s purchase of what he described as “misinformation and disinformation” software, he conspicuously failed to mention the specific name of the software or its capabilities. This omission has fueled speculation that the spyware could indeed be Pegasus.
The purchase of such surveillance software in the midst of Malawi’s economic difficulties and food shortages has raised concerns that the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), under President Lazarus Chakwera, might be preparing for a more authoritarian approach to secure political power in the 2025 elections. The MCP is reportedly anxious about its prospects in the upcoming elections, with internal strife and loss of public support pushing the party to consider drastic measures to maintain power. Critics argue that the purchase of spyware is a direct response to the party’s fears of losing political control, particularly to its rival, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
The alleged role of Hashcom in surveillance operations
According to sources, a team of individuals, including key figures from Hashcom, were observed at Mpingwe Peak in Malawi, installing equipment described as “monitoring systems.” Insiders believe that this team, including figures like Baba Halidu Musa, could be working on behalf of MACRA to set up a clandestine surveillance network. Additionally, MACRA is rumored to be operating out of locations like Simbi Phiri’s townhouses in Area 18 Lilongwe, further suggesting that the surveillance operations are being conducted outside of official channels.
The strategic importance of surveillance technologies in the 2025 Elections
With less than 32 weeks to the 2025 elections, the stakes are high for the ruling MCP. The party, plagued by poor governance and economic mismanagement, is reportedly in a “panic mode”, especially considering the growing unpopularity of President Lazarus Chakwera. According to some political analysts, the only way for the MCP to retain power is through strategic manipulation, possibly involving surveillance technologies like Pegasus to monitor and neutralize opposition efforts.
It is claimed that the MCP is not only fearful of its political opponents but also concerned about internal challenges, with various factions within the party positioning themselves for post-Chakwera leadership. The use of spyware could be seen as a desperate measure to maintain control over opposition figures and party rivals.
The broader political and diplomatic implications: Malawi, Israel, and Africa
The Israeli connection to surveillance technologies like Pegasus is significant. Reports have highlighted that Israel’s cyber-weapons industry is deeply intertwined with its diplomatic agenda in Africa. Israel has been using spyware as a tool for forging stronger relations with African governments. In return, these governments often support Israel’s geopolitical interests on the global stage, including its controversial policies regarding Palestine.
The involvement of Israel in selling Pegasus spyware to African nations has sparked outrage, particularly in countries like Ghana, where it has been used to monitor opposition and suppress dissent. Critics argue that these actions are contributing to the rise of authoritarianism across the continent. Given Malawi’s increasingly close relations with Israel under President Chakwera, it is not unreasonable to suspect that Israel’s espionage technology might be used in the upcoming 2025 elections to secure political advantage for the ruling party.
Conclusion: A call for transparency and accountability
The purchase and installation of surveillance technologies in Malawi, especially if they involve Pegasus, are deeply troubling. Given the global human rights concerns surrounding the use of this spyware, it is imperative that MACRA and the Malawi government provide transparency regarding the exact nature of the software acquired, its intended use, and its compliance with both Malawian law and international human rights standards.
Moreover, with elections on the horizon, the potential misuse of such technologies to spy on political opponents, journalists, and activists is a serious threat to Malawi’s democracy. An independent investigation into the entire affair is necessary to ensure that the rights to privacy and free expression are not violated, and that Malawians are not subjected to unconstitutional surveillance practices in the name of political survival.
