CSOs laud ACB for decisive fight against corruption

Malawi: Only 72 hours following the state President of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera's decisions and reflections based on the report submitted to his office by the Anti-Corruption Bureau, civil society organisations briefed the media this morning in Mzuzu, saying they will continue to engage collectively on the state capture level of corruption that has rocked the country.

Among the CSOs present at the briefing were Youth and Society Executive Director Charles Kajoloweka, CHR Executive Director Micheal Kaiyatsa, National Anti-Corruption Alliance Chairperson, Moses Mkandawire, and Willy Kambwandira, Executive Director of the Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency.

The CSOs praised the ACB for its diligence in meeting the President's 21-day deadline, as well as for demonstrating procedural independence, transparency, and accountability in the report's submission.

Kambwandira, Executive Director of the Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency, stated that while they have taken note of all the positive developments, they recommend that the prosecutions of the individuals named in the report be expedited.

"We are calling on the Chief Justice to establish some speed on the cases because we still have pending cases dating back to 2008 that need to be addressed, so there should be some speed," he said.

Furthermore, Kambwandira stated that the individuals mentioned in the report should step aside at all costs in order to allow the ACB to do their job.

The CSOs stated that they will continue to closely monitor and engage as events unfold.

They are urging Malawians not to obstruct investigations or prosecutions in the name of defending their leaders.

Their belief is that everyone must ensure that the rule of law is followed and that the courts have the authority to do so.