The United States of America (USA) has awarded Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) director general Martha Chizuma as an anti-corruption champion out of 12 other honorees globally.
According to a press statement issued by the US Embassy, the announcement was made on Wednesday at the launch of the virtual Summit for Democracy in Lilongwe.
The embassy’s charge d’affaires Jeremey Neitzke is quoted in the statement as having said Chizuma’s recognition is based on her courage in standing up against corruption in her professional capacity.
Reads the statement in part: “DG [director general] Chizuma’s award is recognition of not only her great courage in standing up against corruption in her professional capacity, but of the institutions and structures in Malawi that make investigation, prosecution and conviction of those guilty of corruption possible.”
The statement also commends the Malawi Government for making progress in the fight against corruption, further saying the vice erodes public trust in government and democratic institutions.
“That is why President [Joe] Biden designated the fight against corruption as a core US national security interest and why combating corruption is a central theme of the summit,” further reads the statement.
According to the statement, the Summit for Democracy will, therefore, provide a platform for people to learn from each other about what works best in fighting corruption, the shortfalls and how to work together in addressing any shortcomings.
The virtual summit brought together over 100 participants representing governments, civil society and the private sector to focus on challenges and opportunities facing democracies.
The participating countries will work together during the Year of Action to fulfil their commitments and develop new pledges and initiatives that can be announced at a second summit which is expected to take place in approximately one year.
