Interview: Kikkan Huegan, new Norwegian Ambassador to Malawi

Kikkan Huegan has replaced Asbjorn Eidhammer as Norwegian Ambassador to Malawi. He explains to our reporter BonifacePhiri his focus during his tour of duty.

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Q:What are your priorities in your tour of duty?

A:

The Norwegian government, through our Parliament, has defined Malawi as a focal country for long-term development and it is among six selected countries in the whole world. So, I want to advance the agenda of long-term and predictable partnership with this country. I will also make sure that aspects such as political reporting, bilateral relations and private sector development are enhanced.

Q: How do you, therefore, intend to help the country cement its governance structures as well as the rule of law?

A:

You see, the common denominator for nations that have done well in social and democratic development is common confidence and this is very key. This means both national and international stakeholders have confidence that institutions of a particular country will deliver what they should. When people pay taxes, for instance, they should have confidence that the money will result

in improved social and economic amenities such as enough drugs in hospitals, nice school blocks, a good road network and many more, rather than losing such money to corrupt individuals. If government earns confidence, people will be willing to invest in it.

Q: How can the Malawi government earn the confidence of its citizens and international stakeholders?

A:

The government can earn people’s confidence through its actions—walking its talk. Government must truly deliver on its promises, but what I have found here is that the government says a lot of nice things without corresponding actions. This could explain why, for instance, there are high levels of tax evasion and it’s typical of a population that has no confidence in its governance structures and authorities. Political leadership the world over promise more than what they will do but the gap should not be as gaping.

Q: Is Norway, by any means, considering resuming budgetary support to the country any time soon?

A:

It is the same issue of lack of confidence and I must say Cashgate did a lot of damage. I must tell you that we cannot continue to fund a system which we don’t trust. If government wants Norway to resume budgetary support, it has to put in place some robust confidence-building measures. I am talking about actions not mere nice words. Confidence is the key to development and this will be my focus; unless a credible public finance management system is put in place we won’t consider resuming budgetary support any time soon. We also need to see more transparent and cost effective procurement measures.

Q: What are your views on the January 13 national demonstrations being championed by the civil society in the country?

A:

My own opinion is that one should be generous about allowing legal demonstrations because it part of the basic freedom of expression. If people, for some reason—and whether or not you agree with the reasons—want to peacefully demonstrate, they should be allowed to do so. Suffice to say the issues must be pertinent and should be analysed to avoid bringing unnecessary confusion.

Q: How would you assess or evaluate the Democratic Progressive Party (DDP) regime the time you have been here?

A:

I must commend the DPP government for putting in place some measures such as a slimmer Cabinet, Public Service Reform Commission and one stop investment centre. But I feel there is a certain gap between words and actions and from the Norwegian perspective we would have wanted to see delivery on the elections promises. However, I also realise this is a huge challenge for the new government.

Q: Norway has a relatively advanced oil exploration sector. What can Malawi learn from Norway’s experience?

A:

Malawi needs to have national control of its resources as well as the income and make sure that the income benefits citizens because doing otherwise brings conflicts. Government must realise that the common characteristics of poorest countries is that they have vast amounts of natural resources, but they fail to manage them and this should not apply to Malawi.