A wave of public criticism has now taken a new turn, as Second Vice President Enoch Kanzingeni Chihana has been delegated to chair a high-level virtual SADC security summit.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has confirmed that Chihana will preside over the Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit of Heads of State and Government, a virtual meeting scheduled for 22 June 2026 expected to shape regional security direction.
According to a statement from the SADC Secretariat, Malawi will host the summit in partnership with the regional body, with Chihana chairing proceedings on behalf of President Mutharika, who heads the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
“The Summit will be chaired by Right Honourable Enoch Kanzingeni Chihana, Second Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, on behalf of His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi and Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation,” reads the statement.
Chihana is expected to oversee discussions involving the Organ Troika, made up of Malawi as Chair, Eswatini as Incoming Chair and Tanzania as Outgoing Chair.
This comes at a time when President Mutharika is under mounting criticism for repeatedly delegating ministers to represent him at key national and diplomatic events, instead of using the Vice Presidents.
Some political commentators argue that the trend risks undermining the constitutional visibility and standing of the Vice Presidency, especially in matters involving state representation at major regional and national events.
The criticism intensified last week when Minister of Education Bright Msaka was delegated to represent President Mutharika at the Saulos Chilima Mausoleum unveiling ceremony, despite both Vice Presidents Jane Ansah and Chihana being present at the same event.
