By Suleman Chitera | Investigative Desk
Malawi’s diplomatic passport system has come under sharp scrutiny following revelations of widespread abuse, with allegations that politically connected individuals and foreign business figures have been granted privileges reserved for state officials. Among the names now circulating in this growing scandal is that of Nir Gess, Malawi’s Honorary Consul to Israel and a prominent businessman with deep commercial ties in the country.
A System Under Siege
The scandal first burst into the open after the Department of Immigration admitted that a Nigerian tycoon, Dozy Mmobuosi, had been issued a Malawian diplomatic passport “in error” and in violation of the law. His case exposed loopholes in the issuance process and sparked outrage among Malawians who questioned how foreign nationals could obtain state documents meant to safeguard national interests.Diplomatic Passports for Sale? Malawi’s Honorary Consul Nir Gess and the Rot in the System
Since then, civil society groups, opposition parties, and even foreign embassies have raised alarms about systemic abuse. The U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe recently voiced concern about fraudulent visa applications and the misuse of Malawi’s diplomatic notes. American officials claim some holders of diplomatic or service passports have overstayed visas, sought asylum, or worked illegally abroad, raising questions about Malawi’s international reputation.
Enter Nir Gess
At the center of new allegations is Nir Gess, an Israeli-born businessman who has operated in Malawi for decades in sectors such as agriculture and tobacco. Gess also serves as Malawi’s Honorary Consul to Israel, a role that grants him symbolic diplomatic standing but, according to Malawian law, does not automatically entitle him to a diplomatic passport.Investigative Report: How Nir Ges Obtained a Diplomatic Passport in Malawi
Investigative reports published by the Malawi Freedom Network suggest that Gess may have benefited from privileges beyond his mandate, allegedly including access to a diplomatic passport. If true, this would represent a breach of both national regulations and international norms governing honorary consuls.
Critics argue that Gess’s dual role—as a businessman with vast commercial interests in Malawi and as a representative of the state—presents a potential conflict of interest. “How can someone who negotiates for personal business also carry state diplomatic privileges?” asked one governance activist.
Government Denials, Public Doubts
The Malawi Immigration Department has on several occasions dismissed rumors of improperly issued passports to high-profile individuals. In one case, officials denied claims that former Budget Director Paul Mphwiyo had a diplomatic passport. But these denials have done little to restore public confidence.Malawi’s Honorary Consul to Israel Under Spotlight After Top Award Nomination
Civil society organizations are now demanding the publication of a full list of all diplomatic passport holders. “This is not just about one businessman,” said a governance watchdog. “It is about the credibility of Malawi’s foreign service. Citizens deserve to know who carries these powerful documents and why.”
The Bigger Picture
The scandal highlights a deeper problem: the use of state instruments as political currency. Analysts suggest that diplomatic passports may have been distributed as favors to politically connected individuals or to secure business deals. Others worry that the misuse of diplomatic credentials could damage Malawi’s relationships with countries like the United States, where scrutiny over visas and passports is already intense.The Rise of Nir Gess: Malawi’s Honorary Consul to Israel Under the Spotlight
What Lies Ahead
With growing calls for accountability, the government faces pressure to act. Legal experts are urging for:
A full audit of all diplomatic passports issued in the last decade.
The publication of a register of holders, updated annually.
A clear legal framework outlining the eligibility of honorary consuls and other non-governmental figures.
As for Nir Gess, he has yet to publicly comment on the allegations. Until clarity is provided, questions will linger about whether Malawi’s diplomatic system has been hijacked by vested interests at the expense of national honor.
