MHRC faces leadership vacuum as commissioners await swearing-in

The taxpayer-funded Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) risks facing a leadership vacuum as newly appointed commissioners are yet to be sworn into office.

The situation could be compounded by the departure of the current executive secretary, Habiba Osman, whose contract is due to expire.

Osman, who assumed the position in 2023, will not have her contract renewed following a decision by the previous cohort of commissioners led by human rights lawyer Chikondi Chijozi-Jere.

In a letter dated August 24, 2026 and seen by Nation on Sunday, the commissioners resolved not to renew her contract despite her expression of interest in continuing to serve the commission.

Her contract said to be expiring: Osman I Nation

Although no reasons were provided for the decision, the commissioners thanked Osman for her service and indicated that they would begin the process of recruiting a new executive secretary.

“The commission acknowledges receipt of your expression of interest in the renewal of your contract and appreciates your continued interest in serving the commission as executive secretary. The commission has given due consideration to your expression of interest and has resolved not to renew your fixed-term contract upon its expiry.

“As provided under Clause 3.1 of your contract of employment, your current contract is for a fixed period of 36 months commencing on November 2 2023 and expiring on November 1 2026. Clause 3.2 further provides for an expression of interest in entering into a new fixed-term contract prior to the expiry of the existing contract, while recognising that neither party is obliged to accept an offer to enter into a further contract,” reads part of the letter.

When contacted for comment, Osman downplayed fears of a leadership vacuum at the State’s human rights watchdog, saying her contract runs not until the end of October but until December 2026.

She said the commission’s day-to-day operations would continue even in her absence, as the deputy executive secretary could oversee operations while awaiting the swearing-in of the new commissioners.

“We hope the new commissioners will be sworn in soon and will provide direction at the institution, as guided by law,” said Osman.

Presidential Press Secretary Cathy Maulidi referred the matter to the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), saying it was preparing the programme for the swearing-in ceremony.

Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi said a programme had been prepared and would be shared with the public soon.

“I want to assure Malawians that there will be no leadership gap at MHRC, as that is being handled,” he said.

Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee chairperson Gilbert Khonyongwa said MHRC was a critical constitutional institution whose operations must not be compromised by a leadership vacuum.

He said the committee would take up the matter to ensure that the commission’s leadership and operations continue without disruption.

“Relevant authorities must put in place appropriate transitional arrangements at the secretariat before October 31. We will seek clarification on the steps being taken to avert this situation. Continuity is essential and must be safeguarded,” said Khonyongwa.

The Malawi Human Rights Commission Act provides for the office of the executive secretary, which is a public office. It stipulates that the executive secretary shall be appointed by the commission on terms and conditions determined by the commissioners.

The law further states that the post should be held by a person with experience and demonstrated capacity in a profession or activities devoted to, or relevant to, the protection and promotion of human rights.

Under the Act, the executive secretary is responsible for the day-to-day management of the commission and the administrative control of its staff, and is accountable to the commission.

President Peter Mutharika appointed members of the ninth cohort, with the new commissioners set to serve a three-year term effective September 20, 2026.

Four commissioners from the eighth cohort have been retained, while three new commissioners have been appointed.

Those retained are Viwemi Chavula, who is also executive director of the Centre for Civil Society Strengthening; veteran journalist and former Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa)-Malawi chairperson Teresa Ndanga; and Malawi Network of Older Persons Organisations director Andrew Kavala.

The new commissioners are Lingalireni Mihowa, Orison Joseph Themba Chaponda, Godfrey Dalitso Kangaude and Stella Nkhonya.

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