A refreshing introspection

One of the activities marking silver jubilee celebrations for the Anti-Corruption Bureau was a two-day symposium at BICC from 22 to 23 November 2023 whose theme was Rethinking Anti-Corruption Approaches for Malawi 2063. In the next few entries, I will focus on some of the issues that transpired at this symposium. In this first of those entries I would like to focus on a refreshing introspection that accountability institutions which was shared by the Honorable Ombudsman Grace Malera. 

Sharing outcomes of a side workshop on behalf of other accountability institutions, the Honourable Ombudsman admitted the existence of corruption within accountability institutions. Coming out of self-reflection by these institutions, this is an important step in dealing with a problem. It was not going to be surprising if the Honourable Ombudsman and her colleagues decided to make external attributions on the challenges facing their organisations. That would have, of course, scared away a truthful search for solutions on how to deal with the enemy within and consequently letting the enemy eating at the core of what these institutions stand for.

Instead, by attributing some of the challenges internally, the accountability institutions have given themselves a respite to reset and rebuild for accountable institutions that can in turn enforce and foster a culture of accountability internally and externally. That can only be good for restoring trust. After all, it is not inspiring when the public perceives accountability/anti-corruption agencies as corrupt. And perceptions matter.

The vibes coming out of the two-day symposium from accountability institutions were all the good sound that our ears needed. But after the good vibes comes the hard work. The bad elements from within these institutions need to be dealt with decisively, and that will not be easy but doable. The negative public perception needs to be reshaped to (re)gain public trust and support, and that is hard work because we all know too well that regaining lost trust is not easy at all. Turning the good vibes to tangible achievements in accountability will, therefore, not be easy.

Accountability can be elusive. Let’s build on the gains around us for greater accountability. The Honourable Ombudsman and your colleagues in accountability institutions, you have (re)started well. I implore you and your colleagues to transform the good vibes into greater accountability on our way to Malawi 2063. The Honorable Ombudsman, work is cut out for you and your colleagues. You have the armour, go and win us battles. With what came out at this symposium, victory is within ours! n