Malawi's Ambassador to Kuwait, Younos Abdul Karim, has taken legal action against his recall from the position. He obtained an interim stay order from the Industrial Relations Court, which prevents the government from implementing the recall until a substantive claim against the decision is heard and determined. The court order was granted on September 25, 2026, and it also stops the government from requiring Karim to hand over Head of Mission functions to journalist-cum-politician Jona Pankuku.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation had proceeded with advising the Kuwait Government about Karim's recall and Pankuku's appointment as Malawi's charge d'affaires. According to court documents, Karim was recalled by a decision made on September 14, 2026, and was supposed to hand over functions by September 30. However, with the interim stay order, Karim continues to be treated as Malawi's Ambassador to Kuwait and retains his Foreign Service Allowance and other entitlements.
The Industrial Relations Court, chaired by Chris Nyimba, granted Karim the interim order, which restrains the government from implementing the recall, requiring handover of Head of Mission functions, or presenting or accrediting Pankuku or any other person as Chargé d’Affaires a.i. in substitution for Karim. The order also stops Pankuku from presenting his papers as chargé d’affaires ad interim in substitution for Karim.
Karim filed the proceedings against the Attorney General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chief Secretary to the Government. His lawyer, Imran Liphar from Ritz Attorneys at Law, declined to comment on the matter, stating that he had no instructions from his client to speak to the press. The court has since directed Karim to file and serve an inter partes notice for continued hearing of the application within seven days.
Despite the court order, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has notified the State of Kuwait about Pankuku's appointment as chargé d’affaires with effect from September 21, 2026, pending Karim's departure. A Note Verbale, dated September 29, 2026, also requests a farewell reception for Ambassador Karim. Another Note Verbale, dated September 29, 2026, notifies the Kuwait Government about the conclusion of Karim's duty as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentially of the Republic of Malawi to Kuwait.
Karim was appointed Malawi's ambassador to Kuwait in 2022 by President Lazarus Chakwera but was recalled before being reappointed in May this year. The reasons behind his recall and reappointment are not clear. The case will continue to be heard in court, with Karim challenging the government's decision to recall him.
The development highlights a diplomatic row between Karim and the government, with Karim seeking to challenge the decision to recall him. The outcome of the case will determine whether Karim will continue to serve as Malawi's Ambassador to Kuwait or if Pankuku will take over the position. The court's decision will have implications for Malawi's diplomatic relations with Kuwait.
Key points
- - Malawi's Ambassador to Kuwait, Younos Abdul Karim, has obtained an interim stay order against his recall and filed for judicial review of the decision. - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had proceeded with advising the Kuwait Government about Karim's recall and Pankuku's appointment as Malawi's charge d'affaires. - The court has directed Karim to file and serve an inter partes notice for continued hearing of the application within seven days.
