The Malawian government is mounting a firm defense against a massive $200 million (approx. K205 billion) lawsuit filed by foreign national Gilena Susana Seliman Fajar, who previously served as the country’s Consul General in Dubai.
Fajar, a Brazilian national who was engaged as a diplomat by the Joyce Banda administration in 2013, claims the payout is owed to her for unpaid salaries and office rental expenses accrued over a ten-year period.
Attorney General Thabo Chakaka-Nyirenda confirmed the legal battle on Monday, dismissing the claim as baseless and declaring that the state will contest the figure in court.
“The figure she has quoted is not legitimate, and that is why we are arguing that she is not entitled to any payment,” said Chakaka-Nyirenda.
The astronomical claim has stirred anger among oversight officials. Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairperson, Mark Botomani, stated that the committee had met with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to urge the Attorney General to defend the lawsuit aggressively and protect taxpayers’ money.
“We were extremely outraged because Malawi is a small economy and cannot afford to pay such an astronomical figure to a person who is not even a native,” Botomani said, calling for those involved in her initial appointment to be held accountable.
