Congoma faults Malawi donors

The Council for Non-Governmental Organisations in Malawi (Congoma) has accused donors of double standards for allegedly failing to support the country despite government implementing some of their conditions of assistance.

In a statement released ahead of its annual general meeting which starts in Malawi’s capital Lilongwe this Wednesday, Congoma has also accused the Joyce Banda administration of extravagance, not doing enough to address current economic hardships, lacking accountability and transparency, failure to declare assets and implement Section 65 of the Constitution as well as use of foul language.

On donors, the statement, signed by Congoma board chairperson Voice Mhone, noted that much as Malawi needs support, the country needs donors who assume responsibility for the effects triggered by their demands.

Mhone said donor agencies and development partners should not only demonstrate high level of accountability, but also ensure that they are seen to live up to their commitments.

But during the 2012/13 Common Approach to Budget Support (Cabs) donors’ review meeting in Lilongwe on Tuesday, the group’s co-chairperson, who is also Royal Norwegian Ambassador Asbjǿrn Eidhammer, said donors are committed to helping Malawi’s efforts in improving living conditions and reducing poverty.

Turning to the current administration, Mhone observed that the ongoing economic challenges have created a social bleak leading to high cost of living. He said it is the responsibility of government to address the situation by putting in place cushioning measures.

Mhone said contrary to expectations of many Malawians that regime change would trigger positive change in their lives, the new administration was giving the impression that the change in regime is simply for the leadership, not practices.”

Congoma also faults the extravagance through both local and external travel by the President and the Vice-President.

The statement also faulted government argument that the President cannot declare assets since she had already done so when she was the Vice-President.