Malawi Government Orders Recalled Diplomats Home, Citing Illegal Status

Malawi's government has issued a blunt ultimatum to recalled diplomatic staff still lingering abroad, warning that anyone refusing to return home immediately now risks arrest by their host countries, as their continued stay is officially illegal. Minister of Information Shadric Namalomba delivered the stern warning after reports emerged that a number of diplomats had failed to return home despite being given every logistical support needed to do so. "While the majority has already complied, the remaining few have been formally reminded of their obligation. Anyone who chooses not to comply risks arrest by the host countries, as their continued stay is now illegal," Namalomba said. The recall dates back to December last year, when the new administration ordered officials across the country's diplomatic missions to wind up their postings and return home. Most diplomats were given a three-month window to prepare for their departure, with government footing the bill for air tickets, luggage shipping and up to seven days of hotel accommodation upon arrival. Despite the generous support package, reports suggest some diplomats have resorted to delaying tactics, reportedly stalling their return while awaiting the arrival of their replacements -- a situation Namalomba confirmed remains ongoing in certain missions. Read the original article on Nyasa Times . AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals , representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica . To address comments or complaints, please Contact us . AllAfrica is a voice of, by and about Africa - aggregating, producing and distributing 600 news and information items daily from over 90 African news organizations and our own reporters to an African and global public. We operate from Cape Town, Dakar, Abuja, Johannesburg, Nairobi and Washington DC. Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy . We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.