By Draxon Maloya
MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-An adhoc committee of the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) convened a stakeholders’ meeting in Mzuzu on Monday morning, calling for accountability, transparency, and proper succession of leadership within the coalition.
The engagement, attended by notable civil society advocates, was aimed at briefing stakeholders and championing a common agenda to demand accountability on how HRDC has conducted itself over the past five years.
Chairing the meeting, Adhoc HRDC chairperson Henderson Mhango alleged that the coalition’s leadership had compromised its integrity by aligning too closely with the former ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
“We aimed at ensuring good governance and fighting graft, which has been rampant in derailing socioeconomic development,” said Mhango. “Unfortunately, our leadership was co-opted into the MCP-led government, compromising our integrity.”
Mhango further expressed concern over what he described as secretive conduct by HRDC leadership, marginalizing dissenting voices and mirroring questionable governance styles. He also questioned the handling of HRDC funds since 2018 and the criteria used in appointing Michael Kaiyatsa as leader of the coalition, which he insisted should be governed by democratic principles.
Among those present were seasoned rights advocates Kinear Mlowoka from the northern region, Sammy Aron from the eastern region, and Masauko Thawe, also representing the north.
Mlowoka urged the forum to reclaim civic space and uphold constitutional freedoms.
“This is the right time for all rights advocates to embark on the right path, demanding transparency and accountability. The civic space lost direction when some members were sidelined because a few showed greed by dining with the former regime,” said Mlowoka.
Meanwhile, the adhoc committee is calling for elections to ensure HRDC leadership conducts itself transparently and remains committed to holding government accountable.
However, HRDC chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa dismissed the accusations, insisting that the coalition is governed by a Board of Governors, which makes key decisions on behalf of members. He clarified that annual general meetings are not part of HRDC’s governance model.
Kaiyatsa also questioned the motives of those leading the adhoc committee, noting that all of them resigned from HRDC to join active politics.
“Those leading the disgruntled group are active politicians who resigned from HRDC. Thawe joined UTM, Mlowoka joined Timothy Mtambo’s Citizen for Transformation, while Walita Moir is now contesting on a DPP ticket in the Rumphi by-election,” said Kaiyatsa.
He further suggested that suspicions remain that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is financing the splitter group, having previously failed in attempts to deregister HRDC.
