By Malawi Freedom Network Reporter

The leadership crisis engulfing the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has escalated, with rival factions issuing sharply conflicting interpretations of recent High Court proceedings, further deepening uncertainty over who legitimately controls one of Malawi’s most influential civil society organisations.

The dispute follows a court hearing that both the current HRDC leadership and the HRDC Ad Hoc Committee claim supports their respective positions, exposing widening divisions within the organisation and raising fresh questions about its governance.HRDC’s Return Sparks Mixed Reactions: Genuine Human Rights Advocacy or Political Comeback Strategy?

In a statement jointly signed by National Chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa and National Coordinator Kelvin Chirwa, the current HRDC leadership maintained that the High Court dismissed an application seeking an injunction to stop it from carrying out its constitutional duties.

According to the leadership, the ruling means the current office bearers remain legally recognised and continue to exercise their mandate without restriction.

The statement also dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that the court ordered HRDC to convene an Annual General Meeting (AGM) within 30 days.

Instead, the leadership said Justice Howard Pemba merely encouraged members to engage in dialogue and address governance concerns within a 30-day period, stressing that no binding order requiring an AGM was issued.

“The current leadership remains lawfully in office,” the statement said, urging members and the public not to be misled by what it described as inaccurate interpretations of the court proceedings.HRDC Accused of Hypocrisy Over Recent Statement on National Service Challenges

However, the HRDC Ad Hoc Committee has strongly challenged that position.

In a separate statement signed by Chairperson Hendreson Mhango and Vice-Chairperson Sammy Aaron, the committee argued that the court has not yet ruled on the substantive leadership dispute and that the matter remains unresolved.

According to the committee, Justice Pemba referred the parties to mediation for a period of 30 days in an effort to resolve the impasse outside the courtroom.

The committee said should mediation fail to produce an agreement, the case will return to the High Court for a full trial where the leadership dispute will be determined on its merits.

“The court has not declared any winner in this matter,” the committee stated, cautioning stakeholders against interpreting the mediation process as a legal endorsement of either faction.

The conflicting statements have created confusion among HRDC members, civil society organisations and the public, with each side insisting it is acting in accordance with the court’s directions.

The prolonged leadership wrangle threatens to undermine the credibility and effectiveness of HRDC, an organisation that has played a pivotal role in promoting human rights, constitutional governance and democratic accountability in Malawi over the years.HRDC Unmasked: From Civil Rights Watchdog to MCP’s September 16 Political Wing

Political and governance observers say the outcome of the mediation process could prove decisive in determining whether the coalition reunites or faces a prolonged legal battle that may further weaken its influence.

For now, the future leadership of HRDC remains uncertain as both factions await the next stage of the legal process, while mediation efforts are expected to begin in line with the court’s guidance.HRDC’s Selective Outrage: Who Really Owes Malawi an Apology?