How Malawi’s Ulama Council is Shaping Public Opinion on the Israel-Palestine Issue


Malawi, landlocked country in southeastern Africa. Some three-fourths of the population is Christian, of which the majority are members of independent Christian or various Protestant denominations, and the remainder are Roman Catholic. Muslims constitute about one-fifth of the population. Traditional beliefs are adhered to by a small proportion of the population. In each of the main urban centres, Blantyre-Limbe, Zomba and Lilongwe, there are major mosques. Asian Muslims have also made a major contribution to Muslim population in the country.

The country has joined 13 other countries in opposing a recent United Nations resolution calling for Israel to withdraw its troops from the West Bank and East Jerusalem in Palestine within a year, media report said. The resolution, although approved by the UN, is non-binding, meaning it doesn’t obligate Israel to take any action. This development comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, with Israel occupying parts of Palestine since 1967. During the UN General Assembly’s emergency session, member states adopted a resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and ensuring humanitarian access.

The resolution garnered significant support, with 124 countries voting in favour, while 43 countries chose to abstain, and 14 countries, including Malawi, voted against the resolution. Notably, the US, Argentina, Israel, Malawi and a few other countries voted against the resolution, while countries like the UK, Germany, and Italy abstained. Malawi’s decision to oppose the resolution has significant implications for its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The UN resolution also reiterated the need for all parties to comply with international law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians.

The international community remains divided on the issue, with some countries condemning Hamas’ actions and others calling for Israel to end its occupation. This is not the first time Malawi has voted against a United Nations resolution that calls on Israel to end its alleged genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Malawi has consistently sided with Israel, following directives from President Lazarus Chakwera, who instructed delegates to always vote in support of Israel in the Gaza conflict.

For the government, the idea of a change in the official position remains a nonstarter. “There is no way we can change our stand today and sever our ties (with Israel) at the hour they need us the most as close allies,” Foreign Minister Nancy Tembo told Anadolu. Since Malawi’s independence in 1964, Israel “has been with us through and through, helping us to grow in many aspects,” she said. “They helped us get where we are now. We can’t, therefore, cut our ties with them today because there is a war in Gaza. Much as we regret the loss of lives, we reaffirm our firm solidarity to Israel,” Tembo asserted.

Malawi was even ready to go where few others have for Isreal, as its initial plan was to open the embassy in Jerusalem. President Lazarus Chakwera was forced to rescind the decision because of strong backlash from Malawian civil society, religious leaders and pro-Palestine groups. The two countries also have a labour agreement that has so far seen thousands of young Malawians go to Israel to work on farms, in conditions that critics have described as “inhumane and degrading.” At the UN, Malawi has used its voice almost exclusively in favour of Israel, abstaining in a December cease-fire vote and this May’s resolution on Palestine’s bid to become a full UN member.

However, civil society groups in Malawi have called on the government to reassess its position on the Gaza conflict, criticizing its diplomatic and economic ties with Israel as a contradiction to the nation’s core values of peace and respect for humanity. Malawi Palestine Solidarity Movement (MPSM), a leading pro-Palestine organisation in the country, issued a statement recently to demand the government to withdraw its support, amid intensifying calls globally to hold Israel accountable for its offensive on Gaza, as well as Lebanon as of recent.

Similarly, the Ulama Council of Malawi has expressed deep disappointment with the government’s decision to vote against a UN resolution calling for an end to the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The council was led by Grand Mufti Muhammad Uthuman, chairperson Sheikh Mussa Matola, and Secretary General Abbas Vinjenje, addressed the press in Blantyre, expressing their concern and confusion over Malawi’s stance. The Ulama Council stated last year that Hamas is not a terrorist group as reported by the western media hence calling upon people to read and understand the Palestinian history.

The leaders stated that the council is yet to understand the rationale behind Malawi’s support for Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land and the ongoing violence against innocent civilians, 70% of whom are women and children. “The Ulama council, along with all peace-loving Malawians, is struggling to grasp the Malawi Congress Party’s agenda in this matter,” said Sheikh Vinjenje. “Malawi has always been known as a ‘God-fearing nation,’ and this decision tarnishes that reputation by encouraging conflict and opposing peace.” Ullama Council of Malawi has therefore appealed to political leaders, human rights activists, faith group leaders and the citizens to unite in their efforts to condemn Malawi’s stand in promoting genocide in Palestine.

The Ulama Council of Malawi traces its roots back to the Islamic scholars who migrated to the region centuries ago. Their expertise in Islamic law, theology, and teachings earned them the title of “Ulama,” meaning “learned ones” in Arabic. Over time, these scholars formed a council to address the religious and social concerns of the Muslim population.  As the Ulama Council of Malawi gains more visibility and recognition, it may face both opportunities and challenges. It is crucial for the council to strengthen its presence within the Muslim community, enhance its representation, and actively engage with relevant stakeholders. By building credibility and demonstrating its commitment to serving the interests of Muslims, the Ulama Council has the potential to play a more influential role in shaping the socio-political landscape of Malawi.

Read Also: What Russia wants from Israel-Iran escalation: Chaos good, war bad

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