LILONGWE, Malawi — President Lazarus Chakwera on Wednesday called on newly appointed Acting Justices of the Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal to demonstrate unwavering resolve in upholding the rule of law, warning that threats and intimidation must never eclipse judicial integrity.
Speaking during a swearing-in ceremony at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, Chakwera administered the oath of office to Justices Rachel Sikwese, Fiona Mwale, and Texious Masoamphambe, emphasizing that courage—not merely credentials—remains the judiciary’s most vital asset.
“After 1,760 days in office and countless appointments across government, I have learned that academic accolades and professional achievements, while admirable, are insufficient on their own,” Chakwera said. “The true test of public service lies in the fortitude to do what is right, even when it comes at personal risk.”
The president’s remarks reflect a broader concern about judicial independence in a climate he described as fraught with veiled threats and political coercion. “There are those in this country whose only weapon is the threat of reprisals,” he warned, urging the justices to remain steadfast in their constitutional mandate.
Chakwera also called on the new appointees to embody composure, moral clarity, and a principled philosophy of governance as they take on one of the nation’s most consequential legal roles.
The appointments come at a time when Malawi’s judiciary is under heightened scrutiny, and the president’s pointed message appeared to underscore the stakes facing the court in the months ahead.
