LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s two governance grouping Forum for National Development (FND) and Center for Mindset Change (CMC) has urged US government to extend the ban entry (into America) to other suspected corrupt public officers at State House, Parliament and Judiciary.
The groupings observe that the move will serve as serious warning to the current President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance government on fighting against corruption in the country.
The appeal comes after US Government banned former public officers entry in that country over corruption including former Solicitor General and Principal Secretary for Justice, Reyneck Matemba, former Director of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Agency, John Suzi-Banda, former Malawi Police Service lawyer Mwabi Kaluba and former police Inspector General, George Kainja cannot be allowed entry into the US.
But in a press statement issued on Thursday, April 18, 2024, signed by FND and CMC National Coordinator and Executive Director Fryson Chodzi and Phillip Kamangira while commending US government for the good gesture in fight against corrupt, the same ban but must extend to the President Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance administration to corrupt officials.
“We commend the United States government for designating former Malawian public officials for significant corruption. This action sends a clear message to the Malawian government and public officials that corruption, which may be tolerated or concealed domestically, is not acceptable elsewhere.
“Currently in Malawi, a concerning trend is emerging where all three branches of government—the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary—are involved in a system where corrupt individuals protect each other, and state capture is becoming normalized”, reads FND and CMC statement in part.
The statement adds, “This trend was particularly evident when the Director General of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) faced harassment from state and police forces due to her stance against corruption. Instead of supporting her efforts, the state machinery chose to side with corrupt individuals and invoked sovereignty when questioned by international partners.
“Sovereignty should never be used as a shield for corruption or impunity. Upholding sovereignty does not mean ignoring corrupt practices or practicing selective justice. It’s crucial for any government to uphold its sovereignty while also prioritizing transparency, accountability, and the rule of law”.
The groupings observe, “Therefore, the actions taken by the US government should be supported by all Malawians who oppose corruption. While we commend the US government for its decision, it’s important to note that these individuals are not the only ones who should be designated.
“There are numerous influential public servants who must also be held accountable, some of whom may be shielded by state protection. If the four individuals were indeed designated on bribery charges, then the US government should be aware that there are others, like the current Chief of Staff for President Chakwera, who have faced similar allegations but have seen their cases swept aside through questionable processes of restoration”.
The statement appeals, “Similarly, the issue of bribery extends to the judiciary, with allegations suggesting that two judges received bribes but have not faced consequences. These judges continue to serve on the bench, raising concerns about their involvement in corruption cases. The state’s failure to address these allegations leaves uncertainty about the integrity of their judicial proceedings.
“The state has consistently disregarded warnings and advice from organizations such as Public Affairs Committee (PAC) and the Episcopal Conference of Malawi Bishops, highlighting a Forum for National Development troubling pattern indicative of systemic corruption”.
“Allegations made by a Member of Parliament against the Speaker regarding the abuse of public funds and office, as well as claims that Parliament has been compromised, cannot be dismissed lightly. In Malawi, there are troubling projects and programs that appear to exist solely to siphon public funds, demanding accountability for those responsible.
“The handling of the fertilizer scandal by the state, along with the obstruction of the Parliamentary inquiry, is deeply concerning. Additionally, there is a pressing need for a public investigation into projects like the Salima–Lilongwe Water Project,” says the statement.
The groupings explain further, “Questions arise about the prudence of such investments, especially when citizens are burdened with high interest rates for projects that seem to drain public resources without yielding tangible results. The actions taken by the US government serve as a significant morale boost for the fight against corruption, demonstrating that bilateral partners are attentive to the situation in Malawi.
“Attempts to discredit or sideline those advocating against corruption will not escape notice. It is crucial to
combat corruption through tangible measures rather than mere rhetoric, intimidation, or propaganda. The timing of this decision is critical, as public faith in Western diplomats had begun to wane due to perceptions that they were granting the Chakwera administration unchecked freedom to engage in corruption without raising concerns”.
FND and CMC observes further, “In contrast, these diplomats had previously been vocal in their criticism of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government for actions that pale in comparison to what the current Malawi Congress Party (MCP) government is allegedly involved in.
“To this extent, we urge other bilateral partners such as the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), and others to emulate the decisive action taken by the US government. It is imperative that individuals implicated in corruption in Malawi, whether currently serving as public servants or otherwise, face similar designations for their actions”.
The groupings appeals, “Chakwera administration must now firmly confront corruption, listening to the warnings from the international community and prioritizing real solutions over deflecting responsibility.
“Failure to tackle these issues head-on will only lead to more challenges and consequences in the future. Fighting corruption should be the government’s foremost priority, and any efforts to undermine this fight will not be overlooked or left unpunished”.
