LILONGWE, Malawi — Malawi’s political debate has intensified after a serving diplomat came under scrutiny over a series of social-media posts attacking opposition politicians.

The controversy centres on Leonard Chimbanga, Malawi’s diplomat-designate to South Africa, whose public comments have raised questions about whether serving foreign-service officials should engage directly in partisan political disputes.

The issue has attracted attention because diplomats are expected to represent the country professionally while maintaining political neutrality in their official roles.

Chimbanga recently criticised the Malawi Congress Party and questioned former President Lazarus Chakwera’s reported interest in a future 2030 presidential bid, adding to the political debate surrounding Malawi’s opposition landscape.

The controversy could put greater focus on standards of conduct for Malawi’s diplomats and the boundary between personal political expression and official public-service responsibilities.

The debate comes as Malawi’s political environment remains active under President Peter Mutharika’s administration, with opposition parties and government figures continuing to position themselves for future political contests.