By Suleman Chitera
Fresh calls for accountability have intensified against Attorney General Frank Mbeta, with civil society organisation Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) demanding his immediate resignation over what it describes as a serious conflict of interest.
CDEDI Executive Director Silvester Namiwa has accused the Attorney General of compromising the integrity of his office by obtaining a court order stopping the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) from investigating him.
According to a statement released by CDEDI, the organisation’s own inquiries established that the restraining order was granted by Zione Ntaba.
“CDEDI’s investigations have further confirmed that the said order was granted by Judge Zione Ntaba,” reads part of the statement.
Conflict of Interest Allegations
At the centre of the controversy is the constitutional role of the Attorney General as the government’s principal legal adviser — a position expected to uphold the rule of law and defend public interest. Critics argue that seeking judicial protection from an anti-graft probe while serving in such a capacity erodes public trust and creates a perception of shielding oneself from scrutiny.
Namiwa contends that Mbeta’s actions undermine the independence of the ACB and set a dangerous precedent where senior public officers can allegedly use legal technicalities to avoid investigation.
Legal analysts note that although every citizen has the right to seek judicial relief, the optics are particularly problematic when the applicant is the country’s chief legal officer.
Public Affairs Committee Weighs In
The pressure is not coming from CDEDI alone. The Public Affairs Committee (PAC) has also entered the debate.
PAC spokesperson Bishop Gilford Matonga on Monday urged the appointing authority to take decisive action against public officials facing integrity questions.
Matonga warned against tolerating leaders “harbouring skeletons in their cupboards,” a statement widely interpreted as a call for higher ethical standards in public office.
Silence from Authorities
As of press time, both the Office of the Attorney General and State House had not issued any official response to the allegations or the mounting calls for resignation.
The silence has further fuelled speculation and public debate, particularly at a time when Malawi continues to grapple with corruption scandals that have dented confidence in public institutions.
Broader Implications
The episode reignites longstanding concerns about the operational independence of anti-corruption institutions in Malawi. Governance advocates argue that allowing investigations to proceed without interference is essential to restoring credibility in public service.
If the matter escalates, it could test the balance between judicial remedies available to individuals and the ethical expectations attached to high constitutional offices.
For now, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Attorney General Frank Mbeta — and whether he will respond to the calls demanding that he step aside in the interest of transparency and accountability.
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