Seven civil society organisations (CSOs) have protested the deregistration of 36 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) and given NGO Regulatory Authority (Ngora) 14 days to rescind its decision.
The signatory CSOs are Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), Youth and Society (YAS), National Anti-Corruption Alliance, Livingstonia Synod Church and Society, NGO-Gender Coordinating Network (GCN), Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency and the Nyika Institute.
In their letter dated November 7 2026 after Ngora on November 5 2026 deregistered the 36 organisations for alleged failure to comply with the NGO Act, the CSOs argue that deregistration raises concerns about procedural fairness, proportionality and compliance with applicable laws.
The letter adds that deregistration should be a measure of last resort, particularly for NGOs facing financial difficulties, prolonged inactivity and institutional challenges.
Reads the letter: “The deregistration of 36 organisations is a consequential regulatory intervention with potentially far-reaching implications for institutional continuity, freedom of association and the sustainability of civil society.”
But Ngora spokesperson Laston Chinkuzu said “the matter is in court and we will wait for the outcome”.
Meanwhile, HRDC has sued Ngora over its deregistration.
According to Ngora, its records showed that HRDC had not submitted its 2023 financial report, despite being required to file audited financial statements and annual reports under the NGO Act.
But HRDC chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa said earlier that Ngora failed to consider the organisation’s explanations hence the decision to settle the matter in court.
Council for NGOs in Malawi chief executive officer Ronald Mtonga asked for more time to give details about the stance of Congoma on the matter.
