By Our Reporter

LILONGWE, Malawi — Heated exchanges erupted in the National Assembly on Friday after opposition lawmakers raised concerns over the arrest and continued detention of Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) executive director Sylvester Namiwa, prompting a sharp debate between government and opposition benches.

The matter was brought before the House by Leader of the Opposition, Simplex Chithyola Banda, shortly after parliamentary proceedings resumed.PIJ investigation reveals identities of Namiwa attackers

Chithyola Banda appealed to the Speaker to suspend the day’s business to allow Members of Parliament to either visit Namiwa in police custody or facilitate his release. He argued that reports suggesting the detained activist was being denied basic necessities, including food and warm clothing, were deeply concerning and required Parliament’s immediate attention.

He said Parliament has a responsibility to ensure that the rights and welfare of every citizen, including those in police custody, are respected regardless of the allegations they face.

Responding on behalf of the government, Leader of the House Jappie Mhango rejected calls to interrupt parliamentary business, insisting that law enforcement authorities should be allowed to carry out their constitutional mandate without political interference.Namiwa demands urgent government action on sugar and fuel woes

Mhango maintained that if Namiwa had committed any offence, the law should be allowed to take its course through the country’s justice system.

The debate took another turn when Mwanza Central Member of Parliament Felix Njawala weighed in, saying the concerns about Namiwa’s welfare were legitimate but questioning the motives of some of those expressing sympathy.

Njawala claimed that some individuals now demanding fair treatment for Namiwa had previously been associated with threats against him months ago, suggesting a contradiction in their current position.

Government also moved to dismiss the allegations surrounding Namiwa’s treatment in custody.Malawi Currency Reform: Namiwa Advocates Limiting Kwacha to 1,000 Notes

Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito told the House that claims that Namiwa was being denied food, warm clothing and other basic necessities were false. He assured Parliament that authorities were handling the matter in accordance with the law and denied that the activist was being subjected to inhumane treatment.

The debate highlighted growing political tensions surrounding Namiwa’s arrest, with opposition lawmakers framing the issue as one of human rights and due process, while the government insisted that the matter should remain within the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies.

Namiwa was arrested on Thursday, and his detention has since attracted widespread public attention, with civil society organisations and political stakeholders closely monitoring developments.When justice sleeps: Malawi Police’s shocking inaction during brutal attack on Sylvester Namiwa

The exchanges in Parliament are expected to add further momentum to the national debate over the arrest, as attention shifts to the legal process and the conditions under which the CDEDI leader is being held.