Africa-Press – Malawi. The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has commended the appointment of Merlyne Yolamu as the country’s new Inspector General of Malawi Police Service.
She replaces George Kainja who was arrested last month by the Anti- Corruption Bureau on allegations of corruption deals involving businessman Zuneth Sattar. President Lazarus Chakwera subsequently fired him. The President has since appointed Yolamu who was deputy IG responsible for administration.
“The general public is hereby notified that in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 154 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, His Excellency Dr. Lazarus Mc Carthy Chakwera President of the Republic of Malawi has appointed Mrs. Merlyne Nachulu Yolamu to the position of Inspector General of Police,” read a statement from the Office of the President and Cabinet signed by Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba.
Reacting to the appointment, MHRC chairperson Scader Lewis welcomed the appointment. She commended Chakwera for his adherence to section 13 (a)I & ii of the constitution which she said mandates the state to actively promote policies and legislation in achieving gender equality through participation of women in all spheres.
“We specifically applaud His Excellency the President for complying with section 11 of the Gender Equality Act on the 40/60 gender quota. We congratulate Madam Yolamu and wish her the very best,” said Lewis. Yolamu will have to be confirmed by Parliament.
She is the second female IG after Mary Nangwale who was rejected by Parliament. Former president Bingu Wa Mutharika appointed Nangwale in 2005. Following the rejection, Mutharika appointed Nangwale as special adviser on security. Nangwale died in 2016.
The appointment of Yolamu caps a number of appointment women into high-ranking position by the Chakwera administration. Others include Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Colleen Zamba, Anti- Corruption Bureau Director General Martha Chizuma, Ombudsman Grace Malera and several cabinet ministers.
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