On corruption in Malawi
Millions of Malawians are suffering while about 35 percent of government funds intended to help the people is lost to corruption. Corruption is a major hindrance to economic development in Malawi. It takes away scarce resources that could be used for development and diverts them to illicit, personal gain.
In Malawi, for example, 75 percent of health facilities have experienced significant drug shortages in recent years, in part due to corruption.
Public will is the key to generate the political will needed to effectively fight corruption. In the recent “cash-gate” scandal, we have seen public opinion and civil society joining forces to strongly condemn the plundering of public funds.
The Government of Malawi reacted swiftly and drafted a comprehensive Action Plan to respond to the scandal. We are cautiously optimistic about the outcome while awaiting full implementation, tangible action, accountability for those involved, and strong sustained communication by the government with Malawian citizens.
The current scandal offers an historic opportunity for Malawi to address corruption at all levels. By doing so, Malawi would be better able to meet its long term social, economic and human development goals.
No country is immune from corruption. In 2011, the US Department of Justice prosecuted and won convictions against 1107 public officials from all levels of the U.S. government for engaging in acts of corruption, such as soliciting and/or accepting bribes, embezzling public funds, or trading in influence. The enforcement of anti-corruption laws and holding corrupt officials and those in collusion with them accountable is fundamental to eradicating the cancer of corruption.
Malawi has a rich history of social activism. From demanding an end to one party rule, to fighting for academic freedom and freedom of expression, to insisting on equal rights and treatment for all citizens, Malawians have led social change. In addition to public will, the role of civil society and the media cannot be underestimated as catalysts for better governance. By highlighting the consequences of corruption and by empowering citizens to take action against corruption, journalists, religious leaders, and civic groups can improve the situation.
The United States is committed to build capacity and support Malawi’s efforts in this struggle. The US has facilitated specialised training for over 200 Malawian law enforcement officials to improve their skills and capabilities. Private US organisations are partnering with Malawian institutions to enhance their investigative skills. In early 2014, we will initiate anti-corruption training for the Malawi Police Service (MPS) and improved tax collection methods for the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA). Improved safeguard mechanisms sponsored by the United States within the Farm Input Supply Program (Fisp) have sharply reduced thefts and provided farmers with faster and transparent voucher redemptions.
We all have a role to play in the fight against corruption. We need greater advocacy by civic organisations to demand transparency and accountability from government institutions and leaders. Successful investigations, prosecutions, and convictions will be key to building public trust in the government and its institutions in the near term. Transparency and public engagement on reforms of the civil service and key laws will be necessary to maintain public confidence.
The Open Government Partnership (OGP) initiative, which Malawi joined earlier this year, can drive anti-corruption efforts by making government more transparent and accountable. As Malawi moves forward in developing its OGP National Action Plan of commitments toward greater transparency, civil society’s input will be vital.
I would like to applaud the efforts of all who are working tirelessly and courageously in this fight. Corruption is like a disease. It is easy to catch, will bring misery to you and your family, and can have serious consequences. But it can be prevented. Just like you sleep under your protective net at night, put a “net” around yourself and your loved ones, against corruption. How do you do that? By not remaining silent! Speak up! Malawi can overcome this scourge and emerge stronger. The United States believes in Malawi’s future and remains committed to its success.
—The author is the US Ambassador to Malawi
What has been pointed out above can hold if the executive condescends to demands from the masses who too have the abilities to see and hear. The moment leaders start to put themselves above the law one wonders how legal aspects will be equally applied across the board. Malawi as a country has a lot of shortfalls that requires addressing by those deemed to be technocrats but the problem is those who are meant to enlighten the local person is deep into corrupt practices, as a result the anticipated educated advice lacks. Once that is noticed those wanting justice will turn to the west for assistance and in turn the same corrupt individuals cries foul. What I am saying is that unless Malawians learn to become patriotic and refrain from enriching themselves illegitimately, the trend experienced lately has come to live with us and will haunt us forever. I wonder how many civic education workshops as a people do we need for change to be noticed? Malawians need total hundred and eighty degrees turn around in our attitude and mindset to see the fruits of what others are trying to implant.