Dausi blasts Malawi spy agents over leaks

Head of Malawi’s National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), Nicholous Dausi, summoned state spy agents in Lilongwe last week for a meeting as the bureau intensifies its efforts to combat the leaking of confidential information to journalists, Nyasa Times has been established.

Two senior operatives, who attended the meeting, confided to Nyasa Times that Dausi blasted them, saying some of them were leaking stories forcing the President to shift sands after the online reports.

Dausi was angry with the report of plans to appoint a second vice president, cabinet reshuffle and State House shake-up.

“Those who are leaking information to Nyasa Times will be caught because I am a friend to the  editor who will reveal to me the sources, so stop the transgression and treachery,” Dausi is reported to have told the spy agents.

However, Nyasa Times said it protects its sources to the maximum and would not reveal them – even at gun point .

Dausi said it is illegal to disclose classified information, saying any leakages of classified information undermine the national security of any state.

Meanwhile, according to press reports NIB which has been operating without any legal provision for almost 15 years, is expected to be established as a government institution with a mandate to prevent, contain and counter threats to national security

The proposed law, which was gazetted in March 2014, seeks to define powers, functions and duties, besides regulating the administration and control of the bureau.

NIB was established by the United Democratic Front (UDF) government in 2000 under the Office of the President and Cabinet to replace the Special Branch, which was an arm of the Malawi Police Service notorious during MCP’s rule for targeting the party’s political enemies.

According to what Weekend Nation reported, yhe bill gives the President powers to appoint and dismiss the bureau’s director general and his deputy. It further says a person eligible for the positions should have “high integrity and possess qualifications necessary for the performance of the duties of the office.”

Dausi , former Democratic Progressive Party’s spokesperson, was a former officer of the defunct Malawi Young Pioneers and served as bodyguard to the first president of Malawi, Dr. Kamuzu Banda.