Tag Archives: Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI)

Environment, Health

CDEDI pens Parley to probe Portland Cement over alleged environmental exploitation

Shaffie A Mtambo

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has asked the Natural Resources Parliamentary Committee to investigate the validity of permits and licences issued to Portland Cement Company for limestone mining at Chenkumbi Hill in Balaka District.

In a formal letter dated 2026 and addressed to the Chairperson of the committee,Tiaone Hendere, CDEDI says the Chinese owned firm was allegedly granted a mining licence without conducting its own Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), contrary to the Malawi Environmental Protection Act of 2017.

CDEDI Chairperson Sylvester Namiwa,states that the matter came to light during a meeting held on October 8, 2025, at the Malawi Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) boardroom.

The meeting followed a request made by the organisation under the Access to Information (ATI) Act, seeking disclosure of project documents related to the cement mining project.

According to CDEDI, MEPA Director General Wilfred Kadewa, who chaired the meeting, disclosed that Portland Cement relied on a 13-year-old Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report that had originally been prepared by Lafarge Cement Company, which previously intended to undertake mining activities at the same site.

The governance watchdog argues that, at the time, neither MEPA nor the then Department of Environmental Affairs had valid documentation authorising the transfer or use of Lafarge’s EIA report by Portland Cement Company.

CDEDI further questions the legality and relevance of using an EIA report that is more than a decade old, arguing that significant environmental, social and physical changes are likely to have occurred at the project site over such a long period, making a fresh ESIA necessary.

The organisation also dismisses suggestions that the issue may have been an administrative oversight.

It points out that the same Lafarge EIA report was presented to the Balaka Physical Planning Committee during meetings held on March 14 and 15, 2024.

Those meetings, according to CDEDI, proceeded to grant Portland Cement a two-year building permit without raising concerns that the EIA and project documents were inconsistent, a situation the organisation says raises serious red flags.

“To say the least, this was not a sheer coincidence,” CDEDI notes in the letter, adding that the sequence of events suggests possible negligence or deliberate disregard of environmental laws and procedures.

In light of the concerns, CDEDI is urging the Natural Resources Parliamentary Committee to institute a full investigation into the matter to establish whether proper procedures were followed.

The organisation has specifically asked the committee to summon MEPA Director General Wilfred Kadewa, former Minerals and Mining Regulatory Authority Director General Samuel Sakhuta and former Balaka District Commissioner Tamanya Harawa to explain their roles in the approval process.

Business, Malawi

CDEDI demands accountability on Greenbelt Initiative Greenhouses Limited-Inosselia venture amid public funds abuses

MaraviPost

…..CDEDI introduces free-toll line on suspected corrupt practices in Malawi

…Simply dial 4384 for free on both Airtel and TNM mobile networks

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) is demanding accountability on the business venture between Greenbelt Initiative Greenhouses Limited (GBIGL) and Greenbelt Authority and Inosselia amid public funds abuse allegations.

CDEDI regrets “to inform the nation that during the previous Democratic Progressive Party regime government paid $5 million to Inosselia, an Israeli firm registered in Cyprus, to construct an intensive high value vegetable farm on some 30 hectares of land near Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe. At that time, the cost of one green house was estimated at $100,000 at most.

“To date, Malawians may wish to know that only 16 fullyfledged green houses have been constructed while four others were constructed for training. But it is sad to report that the said training no longer takes place”.

Addressing the news conference on Monday, December 1, 2025, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa says the grouping has written the Secretary to Treasury (ST) Cliff Chiunda and the Chief Secretary Justin Saidi, demanding an immediate recovery of the much-sought-after foreign exchange that is in the hands of Inosselia.

Namiwa adds, “Apart from the $5 million, the Malawi Government also pumped in K2.2 billion and K2.7 billion respectively, in respect of the beginning of what is known as the Greenbelt Initiative Greenhouses Limited (GBIGL), a purported joint venture between Greenbelt Authority and Inosselia.

“These funds pumped in the project, on 9th June 2021, through the then Acting GBA Chief Executive Officer Amon Mluwira, the Malawi Congress Party-led government signed an agreement with Inosselia, committing Malawians to what is known as management fees, pegged at $25,000 per month”.

The grouping observes further, “Despite that huge investment, the GBA, let alone the Ministry of Finance, has never been involved in the day-to-day running of the farm, and there has been no public declaration of sales from the farm.

CDEDI has invoked the Access to Information (ATI) Act, demanding the following information; GBIGL to make public its audited accounts for the six years it has been operational. GBIGL to make a detailed account of foreign exchange accrued from the vegetable exports declared to the Reserve Bank of Malawi.

“We want Malawi government to provide a detailed exit plan, including details on how the company will pay back Malawians’ money before leaving the country, since it is clear that Inosselia has breached its contract with the Malawi Government.

“Government to conduct a forensic audit of GBIGL in order to have a fair and clear view of how much Inosselia owes the people of Malawi. CDEDI appeals to government through the new Finance MinisterJoseph Mwanamvekha to review the greenhouses’ initial contract in order to serve the interest of Malawians,” appeal Namiwa.

Meanwhile, CDEDI has established a toll-free line that will enable the general public to participate in this noble initiative.

“CDEDI hereby informs the people of Malawi that it has embarked on a serious course to follow up on all monies and other resources that the country received in the name of its citizens in the form of grants, loans, royalties, fines, forfeiture and taxes.

“Well-meaning citizens are hereby advised that they can blow the whistle to anonymously report to us suspected corrupt practices, fraud, abuse of power or office, and violation of human rights by simply dialing 4384 for free on both Airtel and TNM mobile networks,” says Namiwa.

Development

CDEDI slams government’s decision to raise toll gate fees

Maravi Post Reporter

By Twink Jones Gadama

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has vehemently opposed the government’s plans to increase toll gate fees, citing the already dire economic situation in Malawi. Transport Minister Jacob Hara revealed on Friday that the government is considering revising the toll gate fees due to economic pressures, including devaluation.

However, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa has described the move as ill-timed, arguing that Malawians are already struggling to make ends meet. Namiwa alleged that the government’s true intention is to widen its revenue generation base to fund its campaign.

“The government is being insensitive to the plight of Malawians, who are already bearing the brunt of economic hardships,” Namiwa said. “This move will only serve to further exacerbate the suffering of the masses.”

toll gate fees

The proposed increase in toll gate fees has sparked widespread outrage, with many Malawians taking to social media to express their discontent. The hashtag #TollGateFeesMustFall has been trending on Twitter, with many users calling on the government to reconsider its decision.

The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has also weighed in on the issue, calling on the government to revise the newly gazetted toll gate fees. HRDC Chairperson Gift Trapence argued that the fees should not be prohibitive and should not impinge on the economic freedoms of Malawians.

“The government must justify how it arrived at these toll gate figures,” Trapence said. “The state must expressly demonstrate if these fees are in tandem with the current cost of living for Malawians, who are pinned by untold economic hardships.”

The controversy surrounding the proposed increase in toll gate fees comes at a time when Malawians are already struggling to cope with the rising cost of living. The country is facing severe economic challenges, including a crippling fuel shortage and a rapidly depreciating currency.

As the debate over the proposed increase in toll gate fees continues to rage, one thing is clear: the government must prioritize the welfare of its citizens and reconsider its decision. The people of Malawi are already suffering, and this move will only serve to further exacerbate their suffering.

Human Rights

CDEDI pens Parley for urgent probe on spate of abductions

MaraviPost

By IOMMIE CHIWALO

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has written the Speaker of Parliament to commission a joint parliamentary committee including the Trade and Industry Committee and the Defense and Security Committee to conduct a public inquiry on the spate of abductions.

CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa says that the inquiry will help Malawians exercise their right to know and ascertain if Malawi is a safer place to live or do business.

He says there is a need for urgent attention because Malawians are living in fear since the abduction allegation remains a
serious security concerns globally as they usually involve foreign nationals and businesspersons.

Namiwa gave an analogy of reported cases beginning with what happened in 2021 where Malawi reported two instances of Tariq Noorani and Faizal Aboo, while a three-year-old boy Aaraf Kapadia was also abducted in June 2022.

“We, therefore, urge your committee to summon the current Inspector
General (IG) of the MPS, Madam Merlyn Yolamu to explain to the nation whether she is in control of the country’s security system, including giving an explanation on the apparent security breakdown in the country,” he said.

Namiwa emphasizes that the deafening silence from the authorities is creating fear and panic among Malawians, over and above that it has the potential to scare
potential and existing investors, thereby threatening attempts to recover the ailing economy and create much-needed jobs among the youth.

CDEDI strongly believes that the inquiry will address pertinent questions as to why does Malawi Police seem not interested in these serious security concerns whether it is a question of incompetence or utter negligence.

Namiwa says Malawians will also know whether the demanded ransom was paid in all these cases and to who?

As a mouthpiece of the voiceless citizenry and in the exercise of its governance watchdog role, CDEDI wants a thorough investigation to establish if the reported abduction cases are a result of business deals gone sour.

This year, on Thursday, July 24, Malawians learned with shock that a 26-year old business person, a British national of Indian descent, Muhammad Kasiman was abducted around 2pm on his way back to the office from Falls
Estate (Area 1) Mosque in Lilongwe.

The nation got an assurance from the Lilongwe Police that they were on top of things, only to be told later by the same police, that Mr. Kasiman was released on Saturday night, July 27, 2024, without further details and arrests.

Now almost a month down the line, there is no official statement from the law enforcement agencies let alone the family or the survivor.

Law and order, Malawi

CDEDI calls for deregistration of KADO Auctioneers

Maravi Post Author

By IOMMIE CHIWALO

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has penned Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) to consider deregistering KADO Auctioneers for flouting best practices that evidently amounts to corruption.

In a letter addressed to PPDA Director General, Eddington Chilapondwa, CDEDI has also appealed for cancellation of all public contracts awarded to the company.

CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa is arguing that with information at hand, there is need for suspending all public auctions involving disposal of public assets, pending due diligence of all the auctions registered by the PPDA.

He says though declared obsolete, most public assets have economic value that usually end up benefiting a privileged few, instead of the whole nation, notably the poor majority whose lives could be saved with proceeds realised from public auctions, if they did not end up fattening pockets of auctioneers and those connected to them as often happens.

Namiwa has highlighted the calls are necessary following complaints stemming from the public auction held at Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) on Saturday April 27, 2024, where a number of items were sold through a public auction and that from investigation point of view, it was clear that the water utility board exonerated itself from allegations bordering on the sale of a HINO lorry registration number 5 SC 53.

According to Namiwa, CDEDI received additional complaints, on how the above public auction was conducted and of particular attention is a demand letter from Mbulo Attorneys at Law dated May 7, 2024, acting on behalf of Innocent Salim Gama, allegedly the major shareholder of KADO Auctioneers and General Dealers under the banner DEMAND BY MR. INNOCENT SALIM GAMA FOR DETAILED REPORT ON RECENT PUBLIC SALES CONDUCTED BY KADO AUCTIONEERS AND GENERAL DEALERS.

“According to the above letter, KADO auctioneers conducted two public auctions, one at the Reserve Bank of Malawi and another at the LWB, allegedly behind the back of the partner who reportedly pumped into the company MK100 million, representing 51 percent shares and those that raised eyebrows over the matter insist that KADO Auctioneers violated some public auction laid down procedures in the manner this vehicle was sold since they further argue that the falling of the hammer on the Hino 500 truck (5 SC 53) happened in an irregular manner. They, in fact, claim that there were bids as high as K15 million but, surprisingly, the vehicle was given away to a MK10 million bidder,” he narrates.

Namiwa is convinced that all pointers are clear that there are serious flaws that smack of fraud and corruption, saying after postponing the auction despite calling for fresh bids, KADO Auctioneers invited the five selected bidders to the re-auctioning when, in fact, it had already issued both the notification to pay and a bid certificate in favour of Mr. Fabiano Mnayi on April 30, 2024.

Efforts to get side of the story from KADO Auctioneers proved futile but LWB defended the auction despite numerous complaints.

Meanwhile PPDA has confirmed receiving the letter but is yet to comment on its contents.

Education, Malawi

Chakwera breaks campaign promises: Assumes MUBAS’ chancellorship

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-In a surprising turn of events, President Lazarus Chakwera was on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 installed as the chancellor of the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), despite his earlier commitment to end the tradition of presidents holding chancellorships at public universities.

Chakwera’s assumption of chancellorship role marks yet another instance of his administration deviating from its campaign pledges.

During his rise to power prior to becoming the president of Malawi, Chakwera was vocal about his intention to separate the presidency from the chancellorship of public universities, a move aimed at promoting academic independence and reducing political influence in higher education.

However, Tuesday’s ceremony at MUBAS suggests a different trajectory for his presidency. A smiling Chakwera donned the Chancellor clothes with no reminisce of his promise.

This is not the first promise that Chakwera has walked back on.

Throughout his tenure, he has displayed a pattern of retreating from his initial commitments, raising questions about his adherence to campaign principles.

As critics and supporters ponder the implications of this latest development, the spotlight remains firmly on President Chakwera who is potentially geared to compete for the second term of his presidency in next year’s presidential elections.

The installation ceremony took place in Blantyre where MUBAS was holding it’s first graduation ceremony since it became a stand alone public university.

The ceremony was being attended by various dignitaries and university officials.

Meanwhile, country’s civil rights group Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has questioned Chakwera’s decision to assume MUBAS’ chancellor.

CDEDI told the news conference in the capital Lilongwe on Thursday, May 30, 2024 that Chakwera acceptance of MUBAS’ chancellorship contradicts his promises made prior to 2020 Presidential elections that he would not be chancellor of any public institutions.

CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa hinted that his grouping will keep on reminding Chakwera promises made ahead of 2025 elections as he seeks second mandate.

Namiwa hinted that Chakwera must be accountable for failed promises before seeking second mandate in 2025.

Environment, Malawi

CDEDI, porters, tourism associations demand swift Akaswiri mining licence’ revocation on Mount Mulanje’s bauxite extraction

Maravi Post Reporter

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights group Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), in collaboration with Friends of Mulanje, Tourism Association of Mount Mulanje (TAMM), Tour Guides and Porters’ Association and concerned groups and individuals is demanding immediate withdrawal of Akaswiri Mining Company licence from extracting bauxite minerals Mulanje mountain’s Chambe Plateau.

The demand comes after the Akaswiri Mining Company embarked on extraction activities without engaging the communities with fears that the resources will be abused to the firm’s advantage.

Addressing the news conference on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, CDEDI executive Director Sylvester Namiwa observed that Akaswiri Mining Company’s misconduct is unacceptable in conserving natural resources such as Mulanje Mountain.

“CDEDI is hereby informing the people of Mulanje District, and the nation at large, that we have engaged Mulanje District Commissioner (DC) Mr. David Gondwe and demanded an immediate withdrawal of Akaswiri Mining Company from Mulanje Mountain, and urgently call for all-inclusive stakeholders meeting to discuss matters of mining in this mountain before the situation gets out of hand.

“We have embarked on this course having received information that various stakeholders are seething with rage in total disbelief that Akaswiri Mining Company has descended on the Chambe Plateau and is carrying out mining-related activities without engaging the communities who are key stakeholders to this national, continental and world pride”, says Namiwa.

He adds, “In reaction to the above, over 20 village and group village heads in Traditional Authorities Mkanda and Mabuka, bordering the Lichenya and Likhubula basins that make up the Chambe Plateau, convened an emergency meeting that mandated the aforementioned organizations and groups to lead in rescuing Mt. Mulanje from destruction through, among others, the kind of activities Akaswiri Mining. Company is alleged to be doing.

“Thus far, we have petitioned the DC to do the needful by Thursday, December 21, 2023. Malawians may wish to know that Akaswiri Mining Company descended on the mountain on November 28, 2023, following a purported extra-ordinary District Council meeting held on April 20, 2023, which reportedly approved the mining activities”.

Namiwa explains further, “The company’s action was in total disregard of the fact that besides being a cultural and historic natural resource, Mt. Mulanje is a UNESCO-designated heritage site, which is also a catchment area of water bodies and important rivers supplying water to people in Mulanje, Phalombe, Chiradzulu, Thyolo and Blantyre through Blantyre and Southern Region water boards.

“Over and above that, bauxite, one of the earmarked minerals at Lichenya Plateau, is toxic. This simply means that mining in this mountain will lead to contamination”.

He observes, “Furthermore, Mt. Mulanje is home to the highest number of unique plant and animal biodiversity in Africa; therefore, by any standard and measure, it is a global treasure that as citizens, we must be proud of and jealously guard against any form of harm.

“Given the above, and in line with the spirit of Section 12 of the Republican Constitution, which hinges on trust, transparency, and accountability, and more importantly, demands those exercising legal and political authority to make decisions, to serve and protect people’s interests solely, we are calling upon the DC to make public all relevant documents that culminated into granting of mining license (s) by the Ministry of Forestry and Climate Change, and not the responsible Ministry of Mining, as expected.”

The joint statement adds, “Subsequently, as a people proud of their treasure, all purported licences should be revoked forthwith since mining is not an option on Mt. Mulanje. Apart from water supplied to Mulanje, Thyolo, Chiradzulu, and Blantyre districts, the mountain provides direct jobs to 600-plus porters and guides.

“These 65 tourism facility operators have provided over 30,000 jobs in the hospitality industry, with multi-billion kwacha investments that will turn into white elephants should the mountain cease to be a tourist attraction due to health-related hazards stemming from mining activities. That is, to say the least losses in billions of kwacha taxes both local and central governments would incur”.

Concludes the statement signed by CDEDI Executive Director, TAMM Chairperson, Friends of Mulanje Chairperson and Porters and Guides Association Chairperson Namiwa, Willard Mahata, Ken Chilewe, and Olivery Ordry respectively, “The recent attack on Mt. Mulanje has sent shock waves to communities in Mulanje and Phalombe districts as they are reminded of the fatal effects of water gushing out of rocks that were unprovoked, hence they cannot condone any apparent provocation of danger through drilling that will weaken further the structure of the mountain, change courses of water, thereby leading to more flash floods that have the potential to wipe out humans, animals, and crops as was the case with Cyclone Freddy”.

Akaswiri Mining Company is yet to comment on the matter.

Business, Malawi

CDEDI pens RBM on Mount Meru’s non-remittance of sugar export proceeds

Maravi Post Reporter

CDEDI to hold vigils for deliberation and passing of emergency Maize Bill

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s rights group, Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has written the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) Governor Wilson Banda to act on Mount Meru Millers’ failure to account for proceeds from sugar export in Rwanda.

CDEDI’s action follows a Forensic Audit Report the Malawi government commissioned on Salima Sugar Company Limited (SSCL) which exposed Meru’s fiscal fraud

In a letter dated December 5, 2023, which The Maravi Post Post has seen, CDEDI wants RBM to act on the company.

“Right at the onset, CDEDI would like to draw your attention to pages 28 and 29 of the Forensic Audit Report the Malawi government commissioned on Salima Sugar Company Limited (SSCL) 5.1.7 under the sub-headline Malawi Kwacha Capital Contribution Repayments.

“The last paragraph on page 28 reads in part “SSCL supplied 1,500 MT of sugar inventory to Mount Meru Millers Limited and also provided an export clearance letter to the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) for Mount Meru Millers Limited to export 12,000 MT of Sugar,” reads part of CDEDI statement signed by its Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa.

Namiwa adds, “CDHIB did not issue any release order in favour of Mount Meru Millers Limited, implying that this sugar was delivered without the approval of CDHIB. Mount Meru Millers Limited sold SSCL sugar in Rwanda and no sale proceeds were declared to the Reserve Bank of Malawi.”

“Needless to remind you, Sir, that the economy is on its knees due to the acute scarcity of forex. It is, therefore, our expectation that matters of non-remittance of export proceeds ought to be treated with the seriousness they deserve”.

He demands, “CDEDI, therefore, is requesting your office to act on the aforementioned, and ensure that the said proceeds are recovered and that Malawians are informed of the same in line with both the Republican Constitution and the Access To Information (ATI) Act”.

Mount Meru Millers authorities are yet to respond on the matter.

corruption, Malawi

CDEDI on Salima Sugar Chief Wester Kosamu’s head over MK623m Audit consult expenditure

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights group, Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) on Monday, December 4, 2023, demanded Salima Sugar Company Limited (SSCL) Executive Chairperson Wester Kosamu to make public the scope of audit work justifying the MK623 million claim by Audit Consult.

CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa told the news conference in the capital Lilongwe that his grouping wants the Sugar company to also disclose all other related reimbursements as well as any relevant documentary evidence that validates the amount being claimed.

The grouping calls came barely a week after the High Court in Blantyre froze all Salima Sugar bank accounts until the company settled the MK623 million it owes to the audit firm which conducted a forensic audit.

“It is given this that we urge Attorney General Thabo Chakaka-Nyirenda to vacate the injunction which has crippled SSCL’s operations. Malawians may wish to know that the initial contract for the audit signed in June 2023 was pegged at MK160 million, and was duly paid but by the time the draft audit report was released the cost of producing the audit had ballooned to MK250 million.

“In the same vein, Cdedi demands an explanation from SSCL former executive chairperson Shirieesh Betgri on why he accepted liability for an audit that was commissioned by the government in the exercise of its oversight role,” said Namiwa.

Namiwa notes that current developments at SSCL smack more of politics than institutional governance, which, if not checked, will have far-reaching consequences on the survival of the company.

CDEDI therefore believes the developments will scare away both existing and potential investors.

Below is CDEDI’s full statement…..


DEMAND FOR TRANSPARENCY IN SALIMA SUGAR AUDIT PAYMENTS

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has learnt with dismay that the recent forensic audit commissioned by the Malawi Government on Salima Sugar Company Limited (SSCL) will cost Malawians close to MK1 billion.

It is worth highlighting that apart from Malawians having 40 percent shareholding in SSCL— through the Greenbelt Authority (GBA)—the company was established to break the monopoly enjoyed by Illovo Sugar Company for the benefit of the low-income consumers.

So, it is with that understanding that as a watchdog, and a mouthpiece of the voiceless, we at CDEDI have been closely following developments at Salima Sugar; hence our interest in matters surrounding the forensic audit commissioned by the government.

To put it bluntly, we, like most well-meaning Malawians were shocked to read in The Nation newspaper of November 30, 2023, an article titled ‘Salima Sugar accounts frozen over MK623 million debt’.

According to the article, SSCL owes Audit Consult MK623 million following the forensic audit it conducted on behalf of Malawians recently.

It is given this that we urge Attorney General Thabo Chakaka-Nyirenda to vacate the injunction which has crippled SSCL’s operations.

Thus far, CDEDI challenges the SSCL executive chairperson Mr. Wester Kosamu to make public the scope of the audit work and related reimbursements as well as any relevant documentary evidence to justify the K623 million claim by Audit Consult.

Malawians may wish to know that the initial contract for the audit signed in June 2023 was pegged at MK160 million, and was duly paid but by the time the draft audit report was released the cost of producing the audit had ballooned to MK250 million.

In the same vein, CDEDI demands an explanation from SSCL’s former Executive Chairperson Mr. Shirieesh Betgri on why he accepted liability for an audit that was commissioned by the government in the exercise of its oversight role.

Frankly speaking, current developments at SSCL smack more of politics than institutional governance, which we fear will have far-reaching consequences on the survival of the company.

And this, for sure, will scare away both existing and potential investors. That is, to say the least about its impact on the country’s ailing economy.

That said, CDEDI wishes to warn politicians to take their hands off this otherwise only promising public-private partnership initiative, knowing that the rest have collapsed due to political interference.

Without mincing words, political party financing is rearing its ugly face at SSCL that brought hope to many Malawians that someday sugar would not only be affordable but the company would also create more jobs and help to generate the much-needed foreign currency in improving the country’s economy for the betterment of all.

Last, but not least, CDEDI hereby gives concerned parties seven days to do the needful; or we will be forced to take drastic action in the interest of the common good.

Malawi, Politics

“Don’t again wash Malawians with sugarcoating lip services but practical hope,” CDEDI tells Chakwera ahead of SONA

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights group Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has told President Lazarus Chakwera on the face to bring practical hope to Malawians not usual sugarcoating lip services amid economic turmoil.

CDEDI has told Chakwera to provide evidence of gains from his 40-plus international trips against the drain of the much-needed forex by the same.

The call is coming ahead of Chakwera’s State of National Address on Wednesday evening, November 15, 2023, upon arrival from his 43rd foreign trip from Saudi Arabia.

Addressing the news conference in the capital Lilongwe on Wednesday morning, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa hinted that Chakwera must borrow a leaf from the late Tanzanian President John Phombe Magufuli who used to work from his office at the State House and suspended local and international trips.

“We at the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) join all people in this country in welcoming President Lazarus Chakwera from his recent tour of duty in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. As we do that, in the exercise of our watchdog role we would like to inform our dear President that he has found the nation in a state of shock and hopelessness following the 44 percent devaluation of the Kwacha which the Reserve Bank of Malawi announced just hours after he left for Saudi Arabia. As expected, the atmosphere in the country was never the same in the morning following the announcement of the devaluation, coupled with that of the increase in fuel prices and electricity the same night.

“It is worth acknowledging that the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Hon Simplex Chithyola-Banda a couple of days ago attempted, but failed, to inspire hope with his statement purported to provide measures that the government plan to provide to cushion Malawians from the effects of the 44% devaluation of the Kwacha, including the resultant increase in prices of fuel, electricity and other basic goods and services,” reads Namiwa statement to the press.

He adds, “The President may not be aware that the Finance minister dodged questions from the media and betrayed himself as lacking understanding of what he read out from his statement; hence CDEDI, on behalf of Malawians, expects that when he addresses the nation this evening he will not waste time with the usual rhetoric, but address crucial issues affecting the nation.

“Most importantly, Malawians are eager to hear the President exhibit his perceived servant-leadership by doing the following:
Provide evidence to illustrate the country’s economic gains from the previous 25 percent devaluation of the Malawi Kwacha before justifying the recent 44 percent devaluation”.

Namiwa urges, “Provide evidence of gains from his 40-plus international trips against the drain of the much-needed forex by the same; Not only spell out cushioning measures to the effects of the devaluation of the Kwacha but, also, spell out austerity measures that demonstrate that he and his Cabinet colleagues are ready to share the pain the Tonse Alliance administration has inflicted on Malawians.

“For the avoidance of doubt, CDEDI and, indeed, Malawians who mean well for the country, contend that devaluation of the Kwacha brings nothing but more harm, given that in the past three years Malawians have endured ever-increasing cost of living, compounded by shortages of food, fuel, fertilizer, forex and essential drugs and medical supplies”.

“CDEDI hereby implores President Chakwera to consider adopting the following economic recovery measures:
Accept that the country’s ailing economy cannot sustain a 35-member Cabinet and 26 presidential advisers, hence the need for a leaner Cabinet and a handful of advisers.

“Borrow a leaf from the late Tanzanian President John Phombe Magufuli who used to work from his office at the State House, and suspended local and international trips. Cut his salary and fuel allowances and those of his Cabinet ministers; Talk less and do more action, work in silence, and let the results do the talking for him”, he said.

Namiwa adds, “CDEDI would also like to ask the President to spare Malawians attempts to shift blame for the suffering of Malawians to the previous administration bearing in mind that Malawians voted him into the high office to make the country a better place to live in. Otherwise, the blame-game is construed as an admission of failure in that regard.

“In the spirit of transparency and accountability, CDEDI wishes to put it to the President that the Tonse Alliance regime that he leads has become a sure threat to the survival of Malawians it was supposed to serve and protect. Malawians now feel left alone [Tili tokha], hence this night the ball is in the President’s court to either swim or sink. After all, he is the first expected to be familiar with the dictates of Section 12 of the Republican Constitution”.

Malawians are expecting hope from Chakwera’s address this evening.