Malawi Human Rights Commission loses executive secretary on 1 November
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on The Nation Malawi
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) will not renew the contract of its executive secretary, Habiba Osman, which expired on 1 November 2026 after 36 months in office. The new commissioners have yet to be sworn in, which could leave the institution without operational leadership, The Nation Malawi reports.
The contract of the executive secretary of the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), Habiba Osman, expired on 1 November 2026 and will not be renewed, following a decision by the institution's former commissioners. A letter dated 24 August said the commissioners had rejected her request for renewal after considering her expression of interest.
Habiba Osman, who had held the position since 2023, nevertheless said that her departure would not cause the paralysis of day-to-day activities. The executive secretary said her deputy could ensure the MHRC continued to operate pending the assumption of office by the new commissioners, seven of whom were appointed by the Malawian president on 2 October. Presidency spokesperson Cathy Maulidi referred questions about their swearing-in to the Office of the President and Cabinet, while Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi said a programme had been prepared.
Habiba Osman's term ends after the appointment, on 2 October, of seven new human rights commissioners, appointed by the Malawian president.
