The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Honourable Charles Mhango, has reaffirmed government’s dedication to upholding good governance and safeguarding the rule of law.
Speaking today in Lilongwe at a multi-stakeholder dialogue on anti-corruption organised by Youth and Society (YAS) and partners, Mhango emphasised that no government can succeed without the voices and oversight of its citizens. He urged civil society organisations (CSOs) to complement rather than antagonise government efforts.
The Minister reminded participants of Malawi’s obligations under the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption and the SADC Protocol against Corruption. Citing Professor John Hatchard’s book Combating Corruption: Legal Aspects to Support Good Governance and Integrity in Africa, he underscored the importance of strong governance laws and institutions as the foundation for integrity.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to demonstrations, Mhango cautioned against CSOs using protests for anti-government purposes. He assured stakeholders of the Democratic Progressive Party administration’s resolve to implement measures that deliver tangible governance and anti-corruption outcomes, declaring: “It is possible to create a corruption-free Malawi which we will all be proud of. It starts with each one of us.”
YAS executive director Charles Kajoloweka, whose organisation received support from National Empowerment for Democracy (NED) and the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) to organise the dialogue, warned that serious and organised corruption has long drained Malawi’s resources, distorted the economy, and weakened institutions.
He highlighted how corruption networks involving political elites, senior public servants, private sector actors, and transnational syndicates have crippled service delivery and eroded public trust.
The dialogue, themed Re-imagining Malawi’s Commitment in Tackling Corruption, was held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC). It brought together representatives from State institutions, the Malawi Law Society, academia, and the Anti-Corruption Bureau, among others.
Presenters included Dr. Rose Oronje (AFIDEP executive director), McHarven Ngwata (MLS vice president), and associate professors Edge Kanyongolo and Boniface Dulani.
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