EU urges media to advance accountability

The European Union (EU) says the media has an important role in promoting government’s accountability to the citizenry of the country and not just development partners.

Head of EU Delegation to Malawi Marchel Germann made the remarks yesterday when the delegation hosted to a luncheon members of Bwaila Media Club (BMC) at his official residence in Lilongwe.

Germann said it was important for the country to develop a culture of domestic accountability with the citizenry equipped with rightful information for good governance and development to flourish.

He said the EU was committed to partnering with the media, including tackling some of the challenges the sector is facing. He said good governance is preliquisite for national development.

“Malawi media has an important role in terms of domestic accountability to make sure those that are in power are being held to account and make sure that information is provided and shared. In Malawi the media is playing that role and that is a very important role,” added Germann.

BMC chairperson Peter Makawa reiterated the media’s commitment to promote good governance in the country and applauded the delegation for seeking better understanding of the local media’s working environment.