The minister faced intense pressure due to the handling of Vice-President Saulosi Chilima's death in a military plane crash, with criticisms directed at the military’s search and rescue efforts.

Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera dismissed Defense Minister Harry Mkandawire in a mini Cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday. He also fired Deputy Education Minister Nancy Mdooko and reassigned several other ministers to new roles as part of efforts to deliver better service to the nation in 2025.

The move follows growing public pressure, particularly after the handling of the tragic death of Vice-President Saulosi Chilima in a military plane crash on June 10, 2024, in which nine lives were lost. The military faced criticism for negligence in organizing the search and rescue operations.

George Phiri, a political and social commentator, welcomed the dismissal of Mkandawire, calling it “a step in the right direction,” noting that although the decision was delayed, it showed the president was responding to public concerns.

However, some critics, including economist Milward Tobias, expressed dissatisfaction with the continued size of Chakwera's Cabinet, which stands at 31 members. Tobias argued that maintaining such a large Cabinet amid Malawi's struggling economy was “insensitive” and called for a reduction in ministers to better reflect the economic realities.

With Malawi set to hold elections in September, political tensions are rising as the country grapples with both economic challenges and political changes.