Malawi president seeks more time for cabinet reshuffle

Malawian president Lazarus Chakwera on Wednesday postponed the announcement of a new cabinet line-up, saying he needed more time.

His office said he had received cabinet assessment reports from Vice-President Saulos Chilima on Wednesday and could not make the changes immediately - as the reports were substantial and needed the president's "thorough review".

"Given that the reports are as substantial as the President’s review is thorough, the completion of the task will take a few more days longer than anticipated," a statement by the presidential press secretary Brian Banda noted.

The president had on Monday told Malawians that there would be a cabinet reshuffle in 48 hours.

He has now asked for patience, saying he will announce the Cabinet "the instant he completes this sacred duty in a manner that conforms with the constitution".

Some local media have however pointed to a picture of the president and the vice-president posted on Malawi State House Facebook page on 19 February, with a caption that they were jointly assessing the performance of the Cabinet.

This article originally appeared on BBC Africa

Photo: JACOB NANKHONYA