By Chisomo Phiri
Political activist and the Malawi First President, Bon Kalindo, has given
President Dr.Lazarus 24 hour-ultimatum to fire Director General(DG) of Immigration and Citizenship Services, Charles Kalumo saying he does not have the capacity to manage the department.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe on Monday, Kalindo claimed that Kalumo has failed to demonstrate his ability as a leader and instead Malawians continue to suffer in accessing passports under his leadership.
“From the time President Chakwera appointed retired general Kalumo, the Malawi Immigration went into the Intensive Care Unit,” said Kalindo.
The activist called on Malawians of good will to join all Immigration officers across the country for a shutdown this Thursday.
Kalindo also condemned arrests of human rights activists.
He said Malawi First is concerned with the recent arrest of Edward Kambanje, leader of Concerned Citizens of Malawi.
“We believe his arrest is politically motivated and it is hereby condemned totally,” said Kalindo.
He further bemoaned the torturing of people around Kasungu national parks by game rangers for coming into conflict with wild animals.
Kalumo who is a retired Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldier, was appointed as head of the Immigration Department in 2022 by President Lazarus Chakwera.
Since his appointment, there have been complaints from workers over his conduct.
Recently, he redeployed several senior officers at the Department of Immigration.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services falls under the Ministry of Homeland Security of the Republic of Malawi.
It is mandated to provide quality services to the general public in areas of border control, issuance of travel documents, residential and work permits, Visas and Citizenship to eligible persons.
 of Immigration and Citizenship Services, Charles Kalumo saying…){kind=link}