Brian Bowler Going to Brazil, Leaving UN

The country’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry through its Spokesperson Rejoice Shumba has defended the recent redeployment of diplomat Necton Mhura, Edward Sawerengera and Brian Bowler saying it was a normal relocation that no evil intention was behind the move.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry clarification comes amid outcry from Party insiders and detractors alike over redeployment of Necton Mhura, Edward Sawerengera and Brian Bowler from New York at the UN and Brazil respectively arguing that such relocation to these ambassadors was ill-advised.

Malawians in the Washington DC area are wondering aloud about the wisdom of replacing Necton Mhura who was just beginning to settle down to his post. They also question the wisdom of the Mutharika administration and the little regard it has shown to date to the most important mission posting in the world.

They correctly note that since winning the elections President Peter Mutharika through attrition had in effect rendered the post un-manned until Ambassador Necton Mhura on May 18, 2015 presented his letters of Credence to President Obama in Washington DC. Steve Matenje once recalled was a lame duck, As a Matter of fact he was put on the sidelines when the President visited Washington DC at one time.

A source very familiar with the inner workings of the Peter Mutharika administration was flabbergasted wondering as to why Edward Sawerengera would be the one to replace Necton Mhura. According to the source Necton Mhura was doing a good job and was winning over the support of Malawians in the area, but most importantly was in the process of building the necessary networks to be an effective Ambassador in this very important Mission.

The same source confided that Edward Sawerengera deployment to Brazil had some opposition within some party members. Some questioned his credentials for the posting but chose not to fight the new Administration. The same people therefore question the wisdom of posting Edward Sawerengera to the most visible and demanding mission in the whole world. They fail to see Edward Sawerengera at 2408 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008.

Malawians in the DC area believe Necton Mhura has not been given a chance to make his presence felt.

DPP party supporters believe Mhura to be qualified and dedicated and they say at the UN Necton Mhura will flourish much better because of his teaching background and understanding of International law. However they still question the Wisdom of replacing him before finishing even a year at his current post.

Brian Bowler came to the attention of The Maravi Post when in 2011 he was featured by the New York Times serving as Malawi’s representative to the United Nations when Bingu WA Mutharika was President of the Republic of Malawi.

When approached by the Maravi Post for this story, The Ambassador confirmed that he chairs the fourth committee of the United Nations General Assembly, This is a special Political and Decolonization Committee dealing with a variety of subjects which include those related to decolonization, Palestinian refugees and human rights, peacekeeping, mine action, outer space, public information, atomic radiation and University for Peace.

Ambassador Bowler was the first Malawian to chair a UN committee and he scored the highest in the utilizing of the facilities. It is therefore surprising that since taking over in December of 2014, serving less than a full term he is being redeployed to Brazil.

The rumors about Edward Sawerengera’s wife pushing for his redeployment to Washington DC had been around for a while but no one took them seriously, however now it will be easy for people to say we told you so.

In an exclusive interview with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Spokesperson Rejoice Shumba on Wednesday, March 30, in the capital Lilongwe he disputed the claims that some diplomat redeployment were staged to appease a nagging wife, saying the move was a normal relocation nothing sinister.

“I refer to your request for information regarding the relocation of some Malawi`s high Commissioners and Ambassadors in Malawi Missions abroad. I wish to advise that it is true that the Government of Malawi has indeed made some relocation of its High Commissioners and Ambassadors abroad.

This is normal relocation and there is nothing unusual about it. Ambassador Bowler has been moved to Brazil to take position of Ambassador Sawerengera who has been moved to Washington and ambassador Mhura has been moved to New York. Government would always make such changes when it sees it fit and necessary for enhancing public service delivery”, defends Shumba.

Last week, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Corporation George Chaponda lauded the current on going public reforms that about MK5.2 billion has been served for past financial year due to downsizing and rationalizing personnel both for diplomats and local staff working in Malawi mission abroad.

According to Minister Chaponda the ultimate aim of the reforms is to make Malawi missions more cost effective, lean and efficient whereby through the process, government is able to reduce the number of diplomats in embassies from the established positions of 234 to 152 and for local staff from 217 to 184 saving MK3.1 billion in personal emoluments and MK2.2 billion in rentals and school fees for diplomats’ houses and children respectively.