By Suleman Chitera
Questions have emerged over how Nir Ges, a foreign national, came into possession of a Malawian diplomatic passport—a travel document strictly reserved for high-ranking government officials and diplomats. This revelation has sparked debate about corruption, abuse of state privileges, and accountability in Malawi’s past administrations.
Background
When the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) returned to power, it was discovered that Nir Ges had been issued a Malawian diplomatic passport under questionable circumstances. According to multiple sources, senior political figures were allegedly involved in the illegal sale of the passport, effectively undermining Malawi’s immigration and foreign policy regulations.
Diplomatic Passport Controversy
Diplomatic passports are symbols of national integrity and sovereignty. They grant the bearer special privileges, including visa exemptions and immunity in certain jurisdictions. Granting such a powerful document to a foreign national without legal basis raises serious concerns about:
National security risks
Potential misuse in international dealings
Weak institutional oversight
Calls for Accountability
Analysts argue that Nir Ges should return the diplomatic passport voluntarily as a matter of honor and respect for Malawi, instead of waiting for government confiscation. Civil society groups have also demanded investigations into:
Which officials facilitated the deal
How much was paid for the passport
How many other foreigners may have benefited from similar schemes
What This Means for Malawi
This case is more than a passport scandal—it exposes the deep-rooted corruption that has plagued Malawi’s governance systems. Experts warn that unless culprits are held accountable, Malawi risks further erosion of international credibility.
Conclusion
The case of Nir Ges and the diplomatic passport highlights the urgent need for transparency and reforms within Malawi’s immigration and diplomatic systems. Returning the passport would be a first step, but real accountability will only come when the officials who orchestrated the deal face justice.
