15 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have decried the alleged intimidation of journalists who exposed the government’s audacious revival of a canceled arms deal, defying a restriction order from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
The two, Gregory Gondwe of Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ) and Mercy Matonga of Times Group wrote a story that the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) has made a substantial payment to a firm associated with businessman Zuneth Sattar, who is currently under scrutiny for alleged corrupt practices, in a move that contradicts President Lazarus Chakwera’s stance on corruption,
This transaction, involving a $4.98 million (K8.4Bn) payment, forms part of a larger deal amounting to $19.93 million (K33.6Bn) for the procurement of 32 Armoured Personal Carriers (APCs).
Reports indicate that following the publication of the stories, the Malawi Police Service and MDF want the two to be interrogated.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the CSOs condemned the alleged audacious plans of the Malawi Army and Malawi Police Service to intimidate the unwavering whistleblowers.
“These fearless individuals unearthed the government’s covert dealings in the backdoor arms deal with Sattar’s company, a fugitive facing criminal charges. This revelation casts a stark light on the government’s contempt for transparency, accountability, and the very essence of the rule of law.
“Gregory is alleged to be in hiding for fear of his life. Covert Actions and Implications Gregory and Mercy’s revelation exposed the government’s audacious revival of a canceled arms deal, defying a restriction order from the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
“This clandestine collaboration with Sattar’s company not only violates due process but also poses an alarming threat to national security. Beyond legal transgressions, the deal undermines public trust, fosters corruption, and siphons significant funds, showcasing a reckless disregard for fiscal responsibility,” reads part of the statement signed by National Advocacy Platform (NAP) chairperson Benedicto Kondowe on behalf of the organizations
The organizations have called on the army and Police to cease their alleged insidious plans to intimidate Gondwe and Matonga as su uch actions not only trample upon their fundamental rights but also strike at the core of democracy.
“The Malawi Army and Malawi Police Service must champion citizens’ fundamental human rights, particularly the freedom of expression. A thriving democracy hinges on an environment where individuals can voice concems without fear of reprisal.
“We call upon the President, as the Commander of the Army and Police Service, to unequivocally denounce the alleged insidious plans to intimidate the whistle blowers.
“The use of democratic entities to suppress citizens demanding accountability flagrantly violates the Republican Constitution, Access to Information Act, and international human rights instruments to which Malawi is a signatory. In the face of this darkness, the undersigned civil society organisations implore the government to confront the truths exposed by two journalists rather than resorting to intimidation tactics.
“Upholding transparency, accountability, and the rule of law is not a choice but a mandate for the prosperity of our nation. Failure to heed this call not only jeopardizes ongoing efforts to combat corruption but also threatens the very bedrock of Malawi’s democracy.
“Civil society stands. unyielding, united, and poised to take collective action to ensure justice, fairness, and accountability triumph,” reads the statement
Some of the organizations that have signed the statement are Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), Youth and Society (YAS), Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency, National Alliance Against Corruption and Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) among others
