By Suleman Chitera
Lilongwe, Malawi — As President Arthur Peter Mutharika returns to power, citizens and governance watchdogs are calling on his new administration to revoke the diplomatic passport allegedly sold to Israeli national Nir Ges by the outgoing Malawi Congress Party (MCP) government led by Lazarus Chakwera.
The revelation has sparked widespread outrage across Malawi, with growing demands for accountability over what many describe as a serious act of corruption and a breach of national security.
Diplomatic Passport Sale Sparks National Outcry
Reports suggest that Nir Ges, who is not a Malawian citizen nor a government representative, obtained a Malawian diplomatic passport through questionable political connections during the outgoing MCP administration.
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Analysts say this alleged transaction highlights deep flaws in Malawi’s passport issuance system and undermines the integrity of the country’s diplomatic framework.
“No foreigner should hold a Malawian diplomatic passport unless they are officially representing the country. This was a dangerous and unethical act that must be reversed,” said one Lilongwe-based governance expert.
Outgoing MCP Government Under Fire
The outgoing MCP government under Lazarus Chakwera has been accused of commercializing diplomatic privileges and using state resources for private gain.
Opposition figures allege that the sale of the diplomatic passport to Nir Ges was part of a broader pattern of corruption that characterized the final days of the MCP administration.
Civil society organizations and legal experts are now urging President Mutharika’s team to launch a full investigation, revoke the passport, and bring all individuals involved to justice.
President Mutharika’s Leadership Faces First Integrity Test
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For President Arthur Peter Mutharika, who campaigned on promises of restoring order and integrity in government, the Nir Ges passport scandal presents an early opportunity to demonstrate decisive leadership.
“This is a test for the new administration. Revoking the passport and prosecuting those involved would send a strong message that corruption will no longer be tolerated,” noted a political analyst from the University of Malawi.
Public Calls for Action
Across social media, Malawians are rallying around the trending hashtag #RevokeNirGesPassport, demanding that the new government act swiftly to restore public trust.
Citizens are also calling for tighter controls on diplomatic documentation to prevent future abuse.
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Key Demands to the New Government
Governance activists have outlined immediate actions for the new administration:
Revoke Nir Ges’ diplomatic passport without delay
Investigate and prosecute officials involved in the deal
Audit all diplomatic passports issued under the outgoing MCP government
Introduce strict reforms in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
A Chance to Restore Malawi’s Global Image
Observers believe that by confronting the scandal head-on, President Mutharika can reaffirm Malawi’s commitment to transparency, protect its international reputation, and assure Malawians that diplomatic privilege is not for sale
