Government Defends Bisnowaty’s Appointment as Charge D’Affaires to Israel

Government through the Foreign Affairs Minister Nancy Tembo has defended the appointment of David Bisnowaty as Charge d’Affaires of the Malawi Embassy in Israel, amidst concerns raised by the Forum for National Development (FND) over the legality of the appointment.

“The appointment of Bisnowaty as Charge d’Affaires does not require confirmation by the Public Appointments Committee (PAC),” We will follow the proper procedures when we appoint an ambassador.” Minister Tembo said.

Minister Tembo also highlighted Bisnowaty qualify for the role as “He is a Malawian of Jewish origin, he has been an MP before, he is a successful business person and he is just helping our country for free with love for his country, using his own resources and Government is not paying him.”

The FND had written to the Public Appointments Committee, arguing that the appointment was made without proper adherence to the laws of Malawi and the involvement of Parliament in the confirmation process.

FND Coordinator Fryson Chodzi stated that the appointment was made without proper procedures, there was no involvement of Parliament, specifically the Public Appointments Committee (PAC), in the confirmation process of Bisnowaty.”

The appointment comes amidst ongoing labour export talks between Malawi and Israel, with a delegation led by Secretary to the Treasury Betchani Tchereni visiting Israel in January 2024.