On 30 July 2026, governance activist and Executive Director of the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), Sylvester Namiwa, was arrested after responding to a police summons in Lilongwe. Police charged him with publishing false news and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace following public statements in which he called for investigations into alleged wealth accumulation by senior public officials and the First Lady’s charitable trust. On 3 August 2026, prosecutors added a treason charge, and the matter was referred to the High Court because subordinate courts lack jurisdiction over treason cases. Namiwa’s treason case is contrary to section 38(1)(a) of the Penal Code and publication of false news likely to cause public fear and alarm contrary to section 60(1) as read with section 34 of the Penal Code.
The arrest has generated concern among civil society organisations and governance stakeholders regarding the potential use of criminal law in response to criticism of public officials and anti-corruption advocacy. Given Mr. Namiwa’s longstanding role as a governance advocate, the case raises broader questions about the protection of freedom of expression, civic participation, and the ability of human rights defenders to hold public officials accountable without fear of criminal prosecution.