CDEDI fires warning shot at DPP: stop intimidating speaker Suleman

Malawi Freedom Network
September 6, 2026
Estimated read time 4 min read
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By Our Reporter

Namiwa demands answers from Mutharika as alleged threats against Speaker and committee chiefs raise alarm

BLANTYRE — The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has fired a blistering warning at the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), demanding that the party immediately stop what it describes as attempts to intimidate Speaker of Parliament Right Honourable Sameer Suleman over his decision to establish joint parliamentary committees to investigate matters of national interest.

In a strongly worded statement issued in Blantyre on Friday, September 4, 2026, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa said Parliament must be allowed to investigate allegations and concerns affecting Malawians without political pressure, intimidation or interference.

The organisation says the growing controversy surrounding Suleman has exposed a potentially dangerous clash between party politics and parliamentary independence.

‘SULEMAN IS SPEAKER, NOT DPP’S SERVANT’

CDEDI has rejected suggestions that Suleman should be controlled by the DPP simply because he was elected to Parliament under the ruling party.

Namiwa argued that the Speaker’s constitutional responsibilities go beyond party politics and that Suleman is expected to protect the integrity of Parliament and facilitate its oversight functions in the interests of Malawians.

Parliament, CDEDI stressed, has three fundamental responsibilities—representation, legislation and oversight.

The organisation therefore maintains that establishing committees to scrutinise matters of national interest falls squarely within Parliament’s oversight responsibilities.

CDEDI has challenged the DPP to stop treating parliamentary scrutiny as an attack on the party and instead allow investigations to establish the truth.

‘WHO IS BEHIND THE THREATS?’

The organisation has also raised the temperature by expressing concern over reports that Speaker Suleman and some chairpersons of parliamentary committees have allegedly received threats following the Speaker’s recent press briefing.

Namiwa warned that anyone attempting to intimidate constitutional office holders or parliamentary committee leaders should not assume that they will escape accountability.

CDEDI said those responsible for any threats could ultimately face the law.

The organisation has meanwhile thrown its support behind Suleman and members of the joint committees as they undertake their investigative responsibilities.

NAMIWA CHALLENGES MALAWIANS: SPEAK OUT

CDEDI is also calling on Malawians with credible information concerning alleged corruption and abuse of public resources to come forward and assist parliamentary investigations.

Namiwa said the inquiries provide an opportunity for information and testimonies to help uncover alleged corruption networks and practices that may be contributing to Malawi’s economic difficulties.

The organisation argues that Malawi cannot fight corruption effectively if powerful individuals or institutions are shielded from scrutiny.

MUTHARIKA PUT ON THE SPOT

But perhaps the most politically explosive part of CDEDI’s statement is its direct challenge to President Peter Mutharika.

CDEDI has questioned whether remarks attributed to DPP Secretary General Peter Mukhito represent the official position of the President.

Namiwa is consequently demanding clarity from Mutharika.

The organisation wants the President to explain whether he supports the parliamentary inquiries and whether his administration remains committed to the anti-corruption position he has publicly proclaimed.

CDEDI has specifically pointed to Mutharika’s declaration that there would be “no sacred cows” under his administration.

The question now being put to the President is simple but politically weighty:

If there are no sacred cows, should anyone be afraid of Parliament investigating matters of national interest?

A DEMOCRACY TEST FOR THE DPP

CDEDI says the unfolding dispute should not be reduced to a personal confrontation between politicians.

Instead, it says Malawi is facing a much bigger test—whether Parliament can independently exercise its constitutional oversight role without fear of political retaliation.

The organisation has urged the DPP to respect the independence of Parliament and allow the joint committees to perform their duties.

The warning comes as scrutiny of government institutions and alleged corruption continues to dominate Malawi’s political landscape.

For CDEDI, the battle is not about protecting one individual.

It is about protecting Parliament’s right to ask questions, investigate public affairs and demand accountability.

And with President Mutharika now being publicly challenged to clarify his position, pressure is mounting on State House to say exactly where it stands.

The political heat is rising.