By Watipaso Mzungu
The recent decision by President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika to move the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) from the Office of the Vice-President to the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) has not only raised questions about the shift motive, but also ignites a debate about the political future of the Vice President, Dr Jane Ansah, in the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi said through his statement dated January 10, 2026, that President Mutharika believes that situating DoDMA at the centre of government will strengthen coordination across ministries and enable faster mobilization of resources.
While officials insist the move is purely administrative, political and governance pundits believe the diplomatic removal of Dr Ansah is s a punishment for some undisclosed political iniquities.
For since the announcement was made, the mind-boggling question politicians and ordinary Malawians have been asking is: Has Dr Ansah been removed because she has been found wanting (incompetence) or there are some underlying factors?
It should be noted at the outset that this is not the first time disaster management has been shifted between offices.
In 2020, Mutharika removed DoDMA from the Vice-President’s office in a highly politicized context. That restructuring followed the Constitutional Court’s reinstatement of then-Vice-President late Dr Saulos Chilima after the annulment of the disputed 2019 elections.
At the time, Mutharika said Chilima had forfeited the vice presidency by leaving the ruling party and running against him, a position ultimately rejected by the courts.
The result was a short-lived experiment elevating disaster management into a standalone ministry, a move widely viewed as a political workaround rather than a governance reform.
Critics argued the reshuffle was designed to manage rivalry, not enhance public service delivery.
Is Mutharika Be Managing Rivalry Through Dr. Ansah’s Removal From DoDMA
Ansah’s background as a technocrat and former Supreme Court Justice gives her institutional knowledge and respect, but some party veterans might view her as an outsider.
That is why her removal from DoDMA has been interpreted as a strategic move to manage rivalry within his party – DPP, as Ansah was a key figure in the party and had been seen as a potential successor to Mutharika.
Commentators argue that by taking control of DoDMA, Mutharika has effectively stripped Ansah of her most significant responsibility, potentially limiting her influence and visibility. This move has been interpreted as a power consolidation tactic, allowing Mutharika to maintain control over critical government functions.
The DPP politburo’s view of Jane Ansah is that she is an outsider, given the fact that she was not involved in active politics all along. On one hand, she’s chosen by President Peter Mutharika as his running mate, indicating a level of trust and support. Some insiders see her as a “clean slate” needed to unify the party around a post-Mutharika future.
Hence, critics argue that the decision to strip her of her role at DoDMA is part of a broader pattern of centralizing power and sidelining potential rivals within the party. Indeed, Dr Ansah’s removal from DoDMA has raised questions about her role in the government and her future in DPP.
But Is Dr Ansah A Performer Malawians Needed For The Second Citizen?
I must admit that rating Jane Ansah’s performance as Vice President of Malawi after three months is a bit early. However, her involvement in budget oversight, policy implementation, and engagement with parliament and civil society are positive indicators of her effectiveness.
As a former Supreme Court judge, she brings institutional knowledge and experience to the table. Her involvement in high-stakes situations, like the 2019 elections, has given her a tough skin and crisis management skills.
Dr Ansah’s professional orientation aligns with President Mutharika’s national agenda, focusing on reform initiatives and public sector accountability. Her ability to articulate policy decisions and engage with the public will be crucial in her role.
Dr. Ansah’s experience in high-stakes electoral environments could serve her well in navigating national challenges. Her collaborative approach is expected to foster cohesion within the cabinet.
To this end, one can easily conclude that the Vice President has the leadership capacity and qualities Malawians would need to foster national unity and development.
Prior to her appointment as Mutharika’s running mate in the 2025 General Elections, Dr Ansah demonstrated resilience a leader needs to have, as she successfully navigated controversy and maintained a professional demeanor.
And when Mutharika picked her as his running mate, she was the only one who criss-crossed the whole country on end campaigning while the party’s vice presidents were restricted to their regions. As such, in all fairness the power control would not have sufficed at all.
Her experience in electoral management and policy implementation could serve her well in navigating national challenges. Ansah has shown she can articulate complex issues and engage with diverse audiences.
