The Institute of Marketing in Malawi (IMM) recently awarded Justice Annabel Mtalimanja an award, which is well deserved after her exemplary conduct presiding over and managing Malawi’s 2025 Elections.
This recognition is entirely fitting for a woman who demonstrated extraordinary courage and integrity throughout the electoral process. Justice Mtalimanja stood firm against political pressure and intimidation, ensuring that the elections were conducted professionally, freely and fairly. Her commitment to transparency during the tallying process set a new standard for electoral management in our nation.
However, as many Malawians who witnessed her tireless work and unwavering dedication would agree, Justice Mtalimanja’s contributions deserve recognition beyond our borders. I believe we should collectively nominate her for awards from internationally recognized bodies that celebrate excellence in justice, human rights, and democratic governance. Several prestigious international organizations have a history of honoring African judges and legal professionals for their outstanding contributions to the rule of law. These include bodies such as the International Commission of Jurists, the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, and various human rights organizations that specifically recognize individuals who have defended democratic principles under challenging circumstances.
This suggestion is not intended to diminish the significance of the IMM award, itself a meaningful honor from an important professional body in Malawi. Rather, my suggestion is an acknowledgment that Justice Mtalimanja’s impact deserves recognition beyond what we in Malawi may afford her. Her work has strengthened Malawi’s democratic institutions and set an example for electoral integrity across the African continent. And that is special. If anyone in Malawi deserves international recognition for outstanding service to justice and democracy, it is Justice Annabel Mtalimanja. Her courage in the face of adversity and her unwavering commitment to fairness have earned her a place among Africa’s most distinguished judicial figures. So, let’s share her story with the world.
This also matters because when democratic values are under threat or being encroached upon by tyrannical, fascist and neo-fascist forces elsewhere on the planet, in Malawi democracy is alive and well.
So, below, are several organisations worth writing to. Abale anzanga, let’s please do the ‘needful’:
International Bar Association (IBA)
IBA Outstanding International Woman Lawyer Award: Some African judges have been recognized for their contributions to the legal profession and advancement of women in law.
African Court of Justice and Human Rights
Recognition for Contributions to Justice: African judges have been acknowledged for their role in promoting human rights and justice across the continent.
United Nations (UN)
UN Human Rights Award: African judges have been honored for their work in advancing human rights and justice in their respective countries.
International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)
ICJ Award for Judicial Integrity: Recognizes judges who have demonstrated exceptional integrity and commitment to the rule of law.
World Jurist Association (WJA)
World Peace & Liberty Award: African judges have been recognized for their contributions to the promotion of peace and justice globally.
African Union (AU)
African Gender Awards: Judges who have championed gender equality and women’s rights in their judicial roles have been honored.
International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ)
Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession: African women judges have been recognized for their leadership and contributions to the legal profession.
Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association (CMJA)
Recognition for Judicial Excellence: African judges have been acknowledged for their outstanding service and contributions to the judiciary within the Commonwealth.
Open Society Foundations
Awards for Judicial Independence: Judges who have upheld judicial independence and the rule of law in challenging circumstances have been recognized.
International Criminal Court (ICC)
Recognition for Contributions to International Justice: African judges serving at the ICC or in domestic courts have been acknowledged for their role in advancing international justice.
Ford Foundation
Awards for Social Justice: Judges who have worked towards social justice and equality in their jurisdictions have been honored.
African Leadership Institute
African Jurist of the Year Award: Recognizes judges who have made significant contributions to the legal and judicial systems in Africa.
These organizations have in the past highlighted the impactful work of African judges in upholding justice, human rights, and the rule of law, both within their countries and on the international stage.
malawiace.com 