Malawi's High Court has granted an injunction stopping President Bingu wa Mutharika from firing his vice president, one day after the dismissal.
A judge Friday granted the injunction, pending judicial review to determine the constitutionality of Cassim Chilumpha's firing.
Chilumpha reacted by telling reporters he is still Malawi's elected vice president. He said he can leave office only through impeachment, resignation or death.
In announcing Chilumpha's firing Thursday, Mr. Mutharika accused him of not fulfilling his government duties, including attendance at Cabinet meetings. A lawyer for Chilumpha, Viva Nyimba, told VOA the vice president will challenge his firing in court.
Mr. Mutharika and Chilumpha have engaged in a public feud.
The vice president belongs to the former ruling United Democratic Front. The president quit that party last year after launching a corruption investigation that has targeted several high party officials.