Tag Archives: NAP chairperson Benedicto Kondowe

Law and order, Malawi

NAP condemns DPP legislator Chikwanje’s violence remarks

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s National Advocacy Platform (NAP) has strongly condemned the recent inflammatory remarks made by opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Eastern Region Governor Daudi Chikwanje which allegedly called for mob justice against supporters of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

Chikwanje who is in currently in court to answer criminal charges on violence, his remarks have sparked widespread concern as Malawi approaches the 2025 general elections.


In a press statement, NAP Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe condemned such reckless rhetoric poses a significant threat to the peace and democratic integrity of the nation.

Kondowe observes that while the Malawi Constitution guarantees the rights to freedom of association and political participation, these rights must be exercised responsibly and without inciting violence.

“Inciting violence and promoting lawlessness jeopardize our country’s peace and stability,” he said NAP Chairperson.

Kondowe therefore urged political leaders from all sides to reject hate speech and foster a culture of respectful political discourse.

Under the Penal Code, incitement to violence is a criminal offense, and NAP called on the Malawi Police Service to investigate and prosecute those responsible for such inflammatory statements, regardless of their political affiliation.

The organization also referenced the Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Act, which criminalizes the use of electronic communications to incite violence and disturb public peace.

Kondowe also laid out several urgent calls to action, including a demand for political leaders to promote constructive dialogue and for law enforcement agencies to be empowered to address incitement to violence swiftly.

He however warned that failure to act against such incitements could undermine the upcoming elections and risk plunging the nation into instability.

“The time for action is now—Malawi’s democracy and peace depend on it,” says Kondowe.

On Monday, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda also condemned DPP legislator for inciting violence arguing that the nation has no space for such bad remarks.

Malawi, Politics

NAP wants Chakwera to appoint Veep with national interests at heart

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights group under the banner National Advocacy Platform (NAP) is calling President Lazarus Chakwera to appoint his deputy who has national interest at heart.

NAP calls following the demise of late Veep Saulos Chilima and eight others in plane crash on June 10, 2024 at Chikangawa forest in Mzimba district.

President Chakwera is mandated by the law to appoint his deputy within seven days after the death of Veep in office.

In a press statement issued on June 18, 2024 and signed by NAP Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe urged Chakwera to appoint his deputy who understand and prioritizes the national interest.

“The National Advocacy Platform (NAP) once again extends heartfelt condolences to the nation on the passing of Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima.

“As we grieve, we must also look to the future. Under Sections 84(2) and 88 of the Constitution of Malawi, the President is required to appoint a Vice President within seven days from the date the vacancy arose. This is a pivotal moment for our nation,” reads NAP statement in part.

Kondowe adds, “NAP urges the President to appoint a Vice President who understands and prioritizes the national interest. This leader should embody the vision and values that Dr. Chilima upheld, ensuring continuity and progress for Malawi.

“Furthermore, the incoming Vice President must be able to unify the nation and lead us through this period of collective healing”.

“The President faces significant pressures, but this decision must transcend political interests. The future of our nation depends on choosing a capable, dedicated leader committed to our collective goals.

“We call on all stakeholders to support the President in making a wise and patriotic choice. Let us unite to ensure the incoming Vice President upholds our constitutional values and steers Malawi toward a prosperous future,” urges Kondowe.

But addressing the news conference on Tuesday evening, Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu said Malawians should expect President Chakwera to comply with the seven days period to appoint new Vice President, as required by law, following the demise of Vice President Saulos Chilima.

corruption, Malawi

NAP calls for merit-based ACB Director appointment

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s National Advocacy Platform (NAP) has has emphasised the need for transparent and merit-based selection process towards appointment of new Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Director General.

NAP Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe told The Maravi Post in an interview that the transition period requires prompt action to ensure continuity and stability within the bureau.

Kondowe was reacting to the appointment of Hillary Chilomba as ACB Acting Director General following the expiry of Martha Chizuma’s contract last Friday..

In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 4, 2024, ACB Principal Public Relations Officer Egrita Ndala said the bureau’s operations are continuing and stakeholders should offer Chilomba support.

Chilomba was deputy director general for the bureau.

But NAP Chairperson Kondowe observes, “To appoint a substantive Director General, a transparent and merit-based selection process should be initiated, involving a thorough vetting of candidates to ensure the most qualified individual is chosen.

“An objective oversight role by the Public Appointments Committee (PAC) is essential in this process, ensuring that the recruitment is depoliticized and free from external influences. Levelling the playing field for competent candidates is key to securing a leader who can effectively combat corruption”.

He added, “Additionally, ongoing support for the ACB is crucial, including adequate funding, resources, and political backing, to empower the bureau in its critical role of upholding integrity within the public sector”.

President Lazarus Chakwera remains key in appointing new ACB director whose name will be vetted by PAC.

According to law, the Acting ACB director serves for three months before appointment for a full office.

Law and order, Malawi

Malawi CSOs demand punitive NGO law amendment bill withdrawal

Angella Semu
NAP chairperson Benedicto Kondowe

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) under the banner National Advocacy Platform (NAP) denounced government for using policies to shrink the civic space in the country.

The groupings have cited the ongoing plans on NGO Act Amendment Bill 2018 which they is punitive towards their operations in the country.

This was disclosed during a press conference on Wednesday, December 30,2020 in the capital in Lilongwe.

CSOs revealed that government has not consulted NGOs in the country about the recent bill which has been tabled and enacted into law in parliament that is used to regulate NGOs.

According to NAP chairperson Benedicto Kondowe, government should suspend tabling of the bill in parliament until consultations are done.

“We have seen that government is committed to inact the bill into law without thorough consultations. We believe that if the law is for regulating NGOs in Malawi, the NGOs are important stakeholders that must be consulted,” said Kondowe.

Kondowe added that in absence of consultation, the proposed law shall be challenged in all directions by NGOs across the country.

He also denounced the recent ‘irresponsible’ threats made by the Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Patricia Kaliati on her effort to see to it that some NGOs have been closed if they do not comply with what government expect.

This comes following CSOs’ call for an end to undemocratic tendencies including the threats to deregister NGOs and the passing of a draconian NGO legislation which aims at fostering illegal control and suffocation of the work of NGOs in Malawi through the 2020 Grand Petition.

The CSOs have condemned the secret act which prohibit civil servants from sharing information that can help to fight corruption in the country.

NAP has also chastised the adjustment of NGO annual fees which was hiked from MK50,000 to a minimum of MK250, 000 and other NGOs to 2 million per year which NAP described as unrealistic as NGOs do not make a lot of money as government assumes.