Parliament today begins deliberations on the South African extradition of Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary, expanding the state’s solidarity against what many consider to be an unjust legal pursuit that is unpopularly motivated.
The move comes days after the Black Economic Empowerment Movement (Mablem) and the Human Rights Conference Committee (HRCC) petitioned Congress and requested immediate intervention to block extradition.
The incident sparked passionate debate across the country, but now it has become more than just a legal issue. It is a battle for sovereignty, human rights and justice.
The nation gathers behind Bushiri
What began as a court ruling that ordered the extradition of Bushiri has transformed into a wider movement, along with ordinary Malawians who have held firm positions to defend politicians, civil society organisations and general religious leaders.
Rumphi East MP Kamlepo Kalua was one of the first lawmakers to gather behind Bushiri, and has spoken out in Congress, calling for a robust debate on how to protect him from what he described as “clear persecution.”
“This isn’t just Bushiri. It’s about Malawi claiming its independence. It’s not possible to decide who foreigners will sacrifice without justification,” Kahlua argued.
Victor Mussova, MP for Mulange Behr, who introduced the allegations, reiterated his sentiment, stressing that Malawians deserve to know whether the government would protect their citizens or surrender them to a system of injustice.
Civil society puts pressure on governments
The petition presented by Mablem and the HRCC has increased pressure on Congress. Meble Chairman Robert Mukwetheramba untouched his words and warned that extradition would expose Bushiris to “unjust judicial proceedings, further persecution, threats to their lives.”
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“Their experience in South Africa already demonstrates that they will not be subject to a fair trial. When we hand them over, we will conspire to violate their human rights. This is why we are ready to mobilize Malawians if the Congress fails to act,” declared Mkwezalamba.
The petition not only invokes constitutional protections in Malawi, but in particular 16 and 19(1) guarantee the rights and protection of life from inhumane treatment, but also cites international treaties, including the United Nations Convention on Torture. The debate is clear. Malawi has a legal and moral obligation to protect its citizens from potential harm.
Testing of Malawi’s sovereignty
The Bushiri case is becoming a critical moment for Malawi’s judiciary and government. South Africa has insisted on his extradition, but the growing domestic resistance suggests that this is not an easy legal issue.
“This is about multiple guys. It’s about whether Malawi has the backbone to stand up to foreign pressure and protect his people,” said a senior political analyst.
As the Congress continues to deliberate, all eyes are in Malawi leadership. Will they succumb to external pressure, or will they stand with the people to protect Bushiri? What is certain is that the pushback on handover is gaining momentum, and Malawians are hearing their voices.
