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Friday, February 8, 2013
The increase in electricity tariffs is leading to Service Exclusion- CfSC
Addressing poverty continues to be identified as a major challenge for Malawian society and has been a central topicthat successive governments have attempted to tackle or at least pretended to do so. Commitments in Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS), pronouncements in the newly launched Economic Recovery Plan (ERP) and various key government documents underscore that view. However, in spite of all these attempts to address poverty the reality is grim: poverty in Malawi remains severe and widespread – a situation that leaves millions to grapple, on a daily basis, with the un-abating increase in food and essential non-food commodities.
The ever rising cost of living presents to the country an extremely serious challenge upon which all efforts must be concentrated so as to ease people’s daily suffering.
In carrying out the Basic Needs Basket survey for December 2012, CfSC experienced how the ever-increasing cost of
living is leading to “service exclusion” among low-income earners in urban Malawi. Service exclusion refers to lack of access to basic services, whether these are, in the home (such as power and water supplies) or outside it (for example access to transport).
Following the recent increase in electricity charges the CfSC research team found that almost half of the households where the monthly cost of living household data is collected from had their power disconnected
because they can no longer afford to pay for it. This sad development was witnessed in Mzuzu, Lilongwe, Zomba and
Blantyre cities. Households that participate in our monthly surveys explained that they opted to use “cheaper” sources of light and energy because they currently find Escom tariffs out of reach. In some cases, households were found to be excluded from both electricity and water supply.
Such firsthand experiences of urban poverty speak volumes regarding the extent to which the cost of living is dragging people into poverty and further deepening inequality. Actually, what is discernible in Malawian society today is that inequality in all its forms is so massively entranced, tearing whole communities, people and societies apart - between the “haves” and the “have-nots”.
Inequality exists between city and district and between regions, and within districts and
cities. For example, the gap between the centre of growth that is Lilongwe and the backwaters of poverty and inequality up north in Chitipa, exemplify the acute inequality gap between regions. Within Lilongwe city, the gap between the leafy suburbs of Area 43 and Area 10 and the squalor of Nchesi and Ntandire continues to widen and illustrate the nature of the inequality problem in Malawi society. Notwithstanding the debilitating and dehumanising effects, poverty and inequality undermine human dignity and development.
Grotesque forms of inequality that socially excludes people from accessing basic services hugely undermine economic growth and development. In his encyclical, Populorum Progressio, the document that addresses structured inequality, both between nations and between individuals, especially those relationships between rich and poor nations or rich and poor individuals, Paul VI exhorts that justice demand that such relationships be regulated in order to insure fairness when the poor are at a disadvantage. CfSC believes that “the first line of attack against poverty must be to build and sustain a healthy economy that provides employment opportunities at just wages for all adults who are able to work. Poverty is intimately linked to the issue of employment.
Employment, especially in the private sector, would promote human dignity, increase social solidarity, and promote self-reliance of the poor”.
CfSC Basic Needs Basket survey for December 2012 established that the cost of living for an average low-income
earning family of six continues to soar in all the cities of Malawi. In Lilongwe, the total cost of basic food items and essential non-food items such as housing, water and electricity for the month of December was K91, 632 compared to K88, 737 in November, 2012.
This unrelenting upward adjustment was largely as a result of price increases in the staple
maize and other food items like beans. For instance, the staple went up by 20% in Lilongwe, 14% in Zomba, 12% in
Blantyre while in Mzuzu it went through the roof by 47%. The unprecedented increase in maize prices in Mzuzu is
attributed to cross-border trade and smuggling of the grain to Tanzania which has dramatically pushed up the prices.
The average total cost of basic food items and non-food items for all the cities for December was K84, 463 signifying a nominal increase of K4, 949 when compared to the November average which was at K79, 514. Whether people can access their basic needs or not has serious implications on individual and family well-being and consequently, the future development of the country.
Because poor households devote over 50% of their income to buying food items, the sustained increase in food prices substantially reduces their income. Relating this to the tax measures provided for in the 2012/13 national budget, the increase in the zero percent threshold for PAYE from MK12, 000 to MK15, 000 and also increasing the 15 percent bracket from MK3, 000 to MK5, 000 were welcome developments in the light of high cost of living. However, the gains made have since been eroded by not only the high cost of food but also by the recent unprecedented increase in the cost of electricity.
In real terms, therefore, the tax relief has not had a positive increase in the purchasing power for the
employees, especially those with lower wages. The constant recommendation to further increase the zero percent
threshold for PAYE so that low-income earning employees have more money in their pockets would not only give relief to such a group of employees, but would also help to stimulate the economy. Broadening the tax base to also include the informal sector should be implemented if some relief is to be provided to the few formal sector employees.
Before We Forget: Rudo Mawere murder suspect found dead in UK
RTE News of Ireland Wrote on Thursday, 02 February 2012
The main suspect for the murder of a Malawian woman, whose body was found in a travel bag in Dublin last weekend, has been found dead in the UK.
The body of Rudo Mawere, 26, was found by a person out walking near St David's Terrace on Sunday morning.
Gardaí believe she was killed on Saturday afternoon. It is understood the bag was placed on the street at some stage before 7pm on that day.
Ms Maware had been living in Ireland for the last two years.
Gardaí had been searching for an African man who had been in a relationship with her.
They searched his flat on Aughrim Street earlier this week, but he had fled the country.
Gardaí were informed this afternoon that the man had died in Higham, Kent in England.
In a statement to RTÉ News, Kent Police said a man, believed to be a Zimbabwean national, was found dead at about 9am this morning in a wooded area by a dog walker. Foul play is not suspected.
Gardaí have been liaising closely with their colleagues in Northern Ireland and England since Ms Mawere's body was discovered.
Lest We Forget!!!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
UNICEF scales up support to Malawi’s Flood Victims as rains persist …… floods hit over 53, 000 people, displaces over 33 000 and destroys 21 schools
UNICEF, partners and the Government of Malawi are scaling up emergency assistance in Malawi after flooding has hit the country’s southern region. A recent inter-agency assessment estimated that over 33,000 people have been displaced leaving many people without shelter or clothing. Crops have been destroyed in Mangochi, Phalombe and Nsanje districts, while over 20 schools have been disrupted, affecting thousands of children.
“Communities, government, NGOs and the UN are working together to avert a humanitarian disaster,” said Mr. Mahimbo Mdoe, UNICEF Country Representative in Malawi. “But the rains are persistent and we remain on high alert as the flooding spreads to other areas.”
The persistent rains have destroyed roads making access to flooded areas difficult for the delivery of relief materials. Food, emergency shelter, medical supplies and other non-food household items such as blankets, buckets and pots are urgently needed for the affected families. The flooding has also compromised access to safe water, sanitation and overall hygiene in the affected communities.
In response, UNICEF is providing communities with a combination of water, sanitation and hygiene-related supplies. Supplies include chlorine, soap, water purification chemicals, plastic sheeting for construction of temporary bathing and latrine shelters, as well as hygiene awareness campaigns to prevent the risk of cholera.
Many displaced families have sought shelter in schools using them as kitchens and bedrooms resulting in considerable damage to school furniture and disruption in learning in at least 20 locations. UNICEF has provided the school-in-a-box supplies to ensure that quality learning resumes in the affected primary schools.
“Vital supplies are getting through to stricken communities,” said Mr. Mdoe. “But as UNICEF we remain vigilant, monitoring childhood diseases, ensuring schools are functional and that children go back to learning.”
Despite the flooding, Mangochi, Phalombe, and Nsanje are also among the districts hit hardest by the current drought, which has left nearly 2 million people food insecure and children at a high risk of malnutrition and disease across the country.
“Communities, government, NGOs and the UN are working together to avert a humanitarian disaster,” said Mr. Mahimbo Mdoe, UNICEF Country Representative in Malawi. “But the rains are persistent and we remain on high alert as the flooding spreads to other areas.”
The persistent rains have destroyed roads making access to flooded areas difficult for the delivery of relief materials. Food, emergency shelter, medical supplies and other non-food household items such as blankets, buckets and pots are urgently needed for the affected families. The flooding has also compromised access to safe water, sanitation and overall hygiene in the affected communities.
In response, UNICEF is providing communities with a combination of water, sanitation and hygiene-related supplies. Supplies include chlorine, soap, water purification chemicals, plastic sheeting for construction of temporary bathing and latrine shelters, as well as hygiene awareness campaigns to prevent the risk of cholera.
Many displaced families have sought shelter in schools using them as kitchens and bedrooms resulting in considerable damage to school furniture and disruption in learning in at least 20 locations. UNICEF has provided the school-in-a-box supplies to ensure that quality learning resumes in the affected primary schools.
“Vital supplies are getting through to stricken communities,” said Mr. Mdoe. “But as UNICEF we remain vigilant, monitoring childhood diseases, ensuring schools are functional and that children go back to learning.”
Despite the flooding, Mangochi, Phalombe, and Nsanje are also among the districts hit hardest by the current drought, which has left nearly 2 million people food insecure and children at a high risk of malnutrition and disease across the country.
THE AFRICAN UNION SADDENED BY THE DEATH OF 68 AFTER HEAVY RAINS IN MOZAMBIQUE
PRESS RELEASE N0. 07/ 2013
THE AFRICAN UNION SADDENED BY THE DEATH OF 68 AFTER HEAVY RAINS IN MOZAMBIQUE
The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, on February 4 received with great shock and sadness the death of some 68 Mozambicans after recent heavy rains in Northern and Central Mozambique, which have affected 350,000 people and displaced nearly 170,000.
The floods, which have also hit neighboring South Africa and Zimbabwe, are the result of days of torrential rains that swelled the Limpopo River.
Dr. Dlamini-Zuma is very concerned by the shortage of food for flood victims and commends all the various relief initiatives underway.
She further calls upon the international community to assist the Mozambican government in its effort to put in place structures for managing and mitigating the floods impacts.
SKD / ETA
President Joyce's Banda Tackles Corruption
SPEECH BY
HER EXCELLENCY MRS JOYCE BANDA
THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALAWI
AT
THE COMMEMORATION OF
THE NATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY
AT
MANGOCHI AIR WING, MANGOCHI
TUESDAY, 5TH FEBRUARY, 2013
Your Excellency, Chief Justice Richard Banda, Retired.
Your Honour, Right Hon. Khumbo Kachali,
Vice President of the Republic of Malawi.
Hon. Ralph Kasambara, Sc, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
Rt. Honourable Henry Chimunthu Banda, M.P. The Speaker of Parliament.
Your Lordship the Chief Justice, Hon. Lovemore Munlo, Sc.
Mr. Bright Msaka, Sc, Chief Secretary to Government.
Justice Rizine Mzikamanda, Sc, Director of Anti-Corruption Bureau.
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Bishop Dr. Joseph Bvumbwe, Chairman of the National Integrity Committee,
And members of the Committee here present
Hon. Dr. Clement Chiwaya, Member of Parliament for Mangochi Central Constituency.
Mr. Thomas Chirwa, District Commissioner, Mangochi District Council.
Leaders of various Political Parties
Members of the Civil society
The Media
Distinguished invited guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is a great pleasure for me to preside over this year’s Commemoration of the Anti-Corruption Day here in Mangochi. Today is a very important day for our nation as we commemorate our efforts in the fight against corruption. Today we reflect on our successes and challenges in uprooting the dangers and evils of corruption in our society under the theme ““Media; a Partner in the Fight Against Corruption.”
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
As you all may be aware, Malawi suffers corruption in many different ways: from high level corruption to simple bribery that impedes service delivery. In the past, corruption has been enforced by patronage and nepotism that has exacerbated inequality and poverty in Malawian society.
Since the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy in 2008, the framework for dealing with corruption does exist in the country. Furthermore, Malawi has a very good Constitution and strong anti-corruption laws to fight corruption. Coordinating structures and initiatives by civil society and private sector do exist to support government efforts to fight corruption.
However, there is a very big disparity between institutional framework and practice. As you may recall, during my speech to Parliament on May 18th, 2012, I observed that Government was losing a lot of resources to cases of fraud, embezzlement and misprocurement in ministries, departments and statutory corporations. According to Transparency International Reports, Corruption is seen to be particularly severe in the police, registry and permit services, customs and the judiciary.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
When I took office, our country faced numerous social economic problems. My Government decided to implement the economic recovery plan as a roadmap to recover the economy. One of the strategies of the economic recovery plan is to ensure a systemic approach through the Projects Implementation and Monitoring Unit, to monitoring implementation of Government projects which in turn has a greater impact on overcoming corruption.
In the past, Government efforts to fight corruption have been caught in a vicious cycle where as a country we have not broken through. This calls for new strategies in dealing with corruption in the country.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
My Government is aware that our nation is facing tremendous forces against the economic recovery plan. One such major evil force is corruption. Corruption, if left unchecked, will erode the moral values of our society and retard the development course of our nation. Corruption is evil and if unchecked, will drain the necessary available resources for putting our economy back on track. Corruption frustrates Government efforts for rebuilding the economy. Corruption benefits a few greedy individuals and hurts the poor most. It diverts public resources from essential social services such as hospital drugs and the building of public infrastructures. This is why my Government is determined to fight corruption to the bitter end in order to create a corruption free Malawi where social and economic development flourish.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
Through the economic recovery plan, I have also initiated Ministerial Delivery Meetings to enhance efficient and effective delivery of public service. During these meetings many structural deficiencies have been identified and corrected. For example, in some Ministries and departments, very junior officers were chairing internal procurement committees and because of low level of responsibility, issues of compliance and accountability were overlooked. I have since directed that the Principal Secretaries and Controlling Officers should personally chair the Internal Procurement Committees and remain personally accountable for procurement in Government.
It was also noted that many projects could wait for months because a “no objection” response was not received either from the Office of Director of Public Procurement or Ministry of Justice. As a result of such delays, many projects were either not implemented and lost financing or implemented very late. During these delivery meetings, I have directed that if a ministry does not receive feedback for three months, for whatever reason, it will be granted that the “no objection” clearance has been authorized.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my reasoned view that for us to fight corruption, we need to build an efficient and effective public service that delivers on its mandate. For us to fight corruption, we need policies that emphasize equity and development. My Government is committed to ensure that we fight poverty by creating wealth and jobs so that people have access to decent incomes. My Government is developing new and unconventional ways to overcome corruption.
In this regard, my Government is building capacity of our security agencies to redirect their efforts to economic intelligence where we can uncover many networks and rings that are undermining our economy. I want to warn anyone who engages in corruption, wherever you are, that very soon you will be exposed.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
My Government is aware of the important role that various sectors play in the fight against corruption. You will all agree with me that corrupt free public and private institutions are vital for the development of our nation. As I said earlier on, corruption undermines the effective service delivery of our institutions, hence the need for concerted efforts to eradicate all forms of corrupt practices in all sectors of our society.
This function today presents yet another platform for my Government to reiterate our stand that we will not tolerate corruption at any level in this country. Today, as we commemorate the National Anti-Corruption Day, I wish to send a stern warning to Government Departments and all other sectors including private sector, that my Government will not allow its development efforts to be undermined because of selfish individuals who wish to enrich themselves by diverting public resources meant to uplift the life of our people. Such unscrupulous individuals will not be left scot free. This administration will ensure that corrupt practices when reported are thoroughly investigated, efficiently prosecuted and those found guilty are punished accordingly.
To demonstrate my Government’s commitment to fight corruption, we have appointed a respected judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal so that the Anti-Corruption Bureau can regain its respect and integrity in society.
My Government is also committed to ensure that the Office of the Auditor General exercises independence and professionalism in the discharge of its duties.
To that end my Government will ensure that these public accountability institutions including the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Office of the Auditor General are appropriately resourced to enable them operate independently, efficiently and effectively. The Bureau must not be used as a tool for witch hunting. The Bureau must be allowed to carry out its work professionally, impartially, fairly and without any interference.
Let me make this very clear, here and now, that this President, standing before you, is determined to get to the bottom of corruption in this country. There will be no sacred cows; no protected species and no special ones. As for the Bureau and the Auditor General I want you to fully join me on this crusade to rid mother Malawi of this evil.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
Today I am pleased that Government is partnering with the media in our commemoration of the National Anti-Corruption Day. The media is our partner in the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, a policy document that Government, through the Anti-Corruption Bureau, is using to involve various sectors in the fight against corruption in this country.
The theme for this function: “Media; a Partner in the Fight Against Corruption,” underscores the importance of the media in making our country, a corrupt free nation.
The media has the power to reach out to all Malawians and inform them on the evils of corruption and how everyone should take part in the fight against corruption.
In the fight against corruption, the role of the media is to support Government in disseminating messages on evils of corruption, foster the support of public in the fight against corruption and expose corrupt practices in different sectors of our society for the law to take its course. This is why my Government values, supports and upholds press freedom.
The role of the media is neither to frustrate government in its efforts to develop the nation nor to confuse the public, but to partner with Malawians in advancing anti-corruption drive for sustainable development of our nation.
While my Government values and supports media freedom, I wish to appeal to all media houses to act with maturity and responsibility as you reach out to the people. The media should be a force to build our nation, not to destroy it through publications or airing of malicious fabricated stories for personal benefit.
Government is pleased however, that most media houses are supporting our anti-corruption efforts as demonstrated by your presence today. I wish to commend you for your support to my Government.
I would also like to thank the media pillar for the gifts that you have given to me. I will be listening to news on that radio. I will also use the dictionary as I read.
Lastly, I want to thank our development partners for their support in the fight against corruption in this country. I also wish to commend the efforts that are being made by the Anti-Corruption Bureau in the fight against corruption. I know it is tough but I encourage you to keep up the good job. You have a friend at State House in the fight against corruption.
Thank you very much and May God Bless Malawi
Lulu's Walk Into Malawi's Music Spotlight
A boy, aged seven, decided to abandon the traditional music fashion of the time and strike out into the dark night of Malawi music.
“I remember that, that time, my father was a member of a quartet that used to rehearse at our house. Those encounters kindled my interest in music,” says Lulu, alias Lawrence Khwisa. I, then, found myself singing at Church after becoming a member of the Praise Team at Kawale Assemblies of God Harvest Temple,” says Lulu.
And, so, begun a music journey that has become characterized by the fusion of R & B and Pop music.
His acquaintance with music equipment can be traced to the moments other band leaders failed to turn up at church. When the drummer failed to turn up one day, Lulu found himself beating the drum. Later, when other instrument players failed to turn up, could play the piano, the guitar, until he could have a go at all the equipment.
That Lulu comes from a musical family- replete with a father who could join the quartet after knocking off from his work as head mechanic at Whole Garage- is not an issue; the issue is his choice of music. While walking in the predictable footsteps of traditional music icons such as Dr. Daniel Kachamba, Allan Namoko, Robert Fumulani, Michael Yekha, Stonard Lungu was supposed to be a natural choice for an upcoming musician, Lulu chose to be iconoclastic by condensing the traditional patterns of singing into a few quatrains, thereby satirising all forms of memorial in so doing.
Emptying his mind of its old beliefs, he programmed his mind to lapse into a mood of quiet disillusionment where, with a fresh eye and senses uncorrupted by familiarity, it gazed upon life’s little lessons “as they were”.
“I decided to be different. I decided to fuse R & B and Pop, and compliment the instruments with mature Chichewa messages so I could relate very well with Malawians. So far, it seems that I have made inroads as both the youth and adults like my music. Most youths are into American music, and can relate to my music. As for adults, they like the serious tough in my songs because Sindiyimba zachibwana, zogemula ena (I’m not into beef music),” says Lulu.
That is how his journey, starting from the slow match and muffled drum at church, has become recognised in its own right. It was a new world from the first drum beat to the last shout; and he is committed to maintaining the status quo.
A new world despite the repetition of the old themes that continue to offer a quick release from mental turmoil.
Curving a niche
Lulu’s music, as a meditational exercise, reflects the goings-on in Lulu’s world. And, like many forms of meditational exercise, his themes of God’s love and divinity, human affection, equality, love’s infallibility, blind loyalty, among others, is a search for a world commensurate with his desire for three-tier harmony between people, God, and natural resources.
This is reflected in his three albums namely Mbambande, released in 2004, Kumalembe, and Sindilola- released on his return from the United Kingdom, where he went to play with Lucius Banda’s Zembani Band.
At his best, as in ‘Sindilola’ and ‘Kumalembe’, he shelves and dissolves life’s experiences in hybrid lyrics and vocals while his mature message, like wraths, settle in the melted ears and melted hearts of his audience.
His voice, like a finger that touches every wound, reshapes life’s general motifs of burning desire, sheer grace, endurance, vigilance. In these transitional songs, Lulu goes a long way beyond traditional romantic notions of order. In short, he becomes a modest, a man of the future living in the present and, in a way, a man against the crowd.
A song titled ‘Kumalembe’, with its reference to the persona’s dead, but beloved, mum, describes how life has evolved into a mound of hard experience- a form of a concentration camp- and how the persona’s last vestiges of hope have all but vanished.
“I decided to be different from the onset, one of the steps involved turning myself into a Jazz guitarist. My background has played into it as well. I used to be an R&B fanatic who used to like R. Kelly, Steven Wonder and grew up listening to American Gospel music.
“In fact, I was taught by people from the United States, and that’s why you find American elements in my songs. I just add African themes to my fused music,” says Lulu, Born 7 May 1985.
He credits daily rehearsals for the consistency in his music.
“And that, I think, is the reason Kumalembe and Sindilola sold more copies on the local market. I sold more through CDs and DVDs, as opposed to Compact Disks, because the Malawian music market is in three levels: That of tapes; with CDs only, and; thirdly, the level where both CD and DVD sell like hot cakes.”
Defining Lulu’s music
Is Lulu a Gospel or secular musician?
“Well, the truth is that I feel more comfortable composing Gospel songs because I don’t need to write. Having been in the church for some time, I have gotten used to scriptures, and they just come to you. I find it easier to compose Gospel songs than love.
“It is a bit taxing to compose a love song because I have to ask myself so many questions like: How do people in love feel? What is it they think about, or do, often? I need to work at a concept, piece together letters, and see what I have to write down,” says Lulu.
Lulu tears into perceptions that one can only be a God-fearing artist if they call themselves Gospel musicians.
”I don’t understand that argument because, for someone to sing the way I do, it is because of the power of God. God loves people who love him, and He knows I love Him. Singing secular does not mean one worships the devil, ” says Lulu.
Getting off age
Lulu seems to be growing with the times, if his decision to form Mathumela Band in 2010 is anything to go by.
“People have been asking me: Why form a band when you, sometimes, perform with Zembani Band? Well, the two (bands) are different. Mathumela was formed to cater for my kind of music, and is a band for the future. We are not into live music performances every week.
“Mathumela is there to prepare Malawians for the kind of music they will like in years to come. At the moment, I feel like some Malawians don’t appreciate a strong message. That is why Mathumela is for the future- songs that people should think hard to get to the root of the meaning,” says Lulu.
But things have started well for Mathumela, which is in partnership with the Reserve Bank of Malawi, and is invited to perform at the Central Bank’s events.
However, the band is far from producing its maiden album, though Lulu maintains that the band mebers are concentrating on jelling.
The forth turn
Lulu is in the studios, cooking his forth album.
“I am doing the mastering at the moment. In fact, some of the songs will be on air by February. I want to produce a 10-truck album but I haven’t come up with the title yet. I want to call people who understand music, the likes of Lucius Banda, and ask them to help me choose only 10 tracks because I have more songs,” says Lulu.
Facing the future
The musician bemoans that, unlike in South Africa, where House, Kwaito and other genres are unmistakably identified with the Rainbow nation, there is no music that can be identified as purely Malawian.
“It is difficult to create a Malawi music identity because the pioneers chose to play their own type of music. So, those who want to survive on the market have no choice but to sing what people are already used to. The other problem is that, while most local musicians are not blessed with lilime lachizungu (Western tongue), they try to imitate Westerners, and this renders penetration into foreign markets difficult,” says Lulu.
One of the people who have worked closely with Lulu, veteran musician Sir Lucius Banda says Lulu’s music is an indication that Malawi’s music has a bright future.
“Lulu is a fine musician, and his music is of international standard. In fact, you can not compare him with other musicians of his age because of the maturity in his songs, and his mastery of equipment,” says Banda.
Banda says Lulu is one of the success stories from Zembani, adding that the success of most musician who have been associated with Zembani Band at one point in time points to the fact that, given he right resources, Malawian musicians can stand among Africa’s best in music.
Living our accidents: The story of artist Elson Kambalu
He has since learned to turn his silence into an ecstasy of imagination.
But visual and performing artist Elson Kambalu is quick to confess that, as recently as 1999, his silence used to be riddled with regrets and unanswered questions.
“Having just graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from The Polytechnic- a constituent college of the University of Malawi (Unima)- and a postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, I was busy looking for a job,” Kambalu says, adding:
Adds Kambalu: “I had not yet discovered the artist in me and was busy looking for a job. I found none, and that, kind of, affected me. I could sit down and ask myself all sorts of questions. All I could do, during my quiet hours, was to think about this and had no time to think about other things I could do with my life.”
Artistic rebirth
As it were, his flight to the world of employment soon crashed, but, still, Kambalu failed to hear the distant, rumbling calls emanating from visual and performing arts.
Fortunately, the reign of this state of confusion was short-lived.
“I found myself experimenting with art. I started by scribbling down hopeless figures and, somehow, came to realise that there was an artist in me. This happened by accident, though; I found myself in the arts by accident,” Kambalu confesses.
His subsequent interaction with visual artist Nyango Chodola, combined with his interest in the art works of David Kelly, and Cuthy Mede, a pre-colonial artist who once lectured at Unima’s Chancellor College.
Thus begun the artistic journey of Kambalu, a man of two homes: Blantyre and Lilongwe.
The La Galleria Africa Director has moved from the undesirable position of job-keeper to the creator of visual art products. Who would have known, 14 years ago, that Kambalu would be staying amid things that do not even realise the world they are in- making a living out of the imagination, brushes, paints, easels, art papers, canvasses, sketching pads, among others?
Kambalu’s discovery and curiosity have opened a new world of self-consciousness for him, so much so that he has turned a despairing situation into fruitful life. He has even converted the banquet table of his Bachelors Degree in Business Management and Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing into a refuse dump of history.
His is a world away from business calculations, mathematics, though he still needs his marketing skills to market his, and other artists, works. Buoyed by the ambition, he wants people who have indicted language for causing so many upheavals in life to, equally, indict sculptures on the same charge.
“As a self-taught artist, I have come to realise that art works can stimulate debate and inform a nation’s conscious. That’s what I do. That’s what I want to do,” Kambalu says.
Curving a niche
Watching Kambalu translate his imaginations into visible features on the canvass, one is convinced the man adores his new-found ‘friends’. With his hands, he ‘breathes’ life into the shadows of his won imagination.
Sometimes, he says, the ideas are roused from what he knows to be real life experiences. Sometimes, they are simply a rectitude that mimics his struggles and triumph. But, mainly, they are about growing up.
A close observation of Kambalu’s works reveals that they are much about harmony as they are about the conflict that comes with growing up. From the time one sets their eyes on, say, his ‘The Uprising’, an abstract piece of words depicting rising lines that represent opposing forces attempting to get the best out of each other.
“I mainly explore the theme of growing up. There are many things an artist can explore around this issue,” Kambalu says.
That is how the forth-born in a family of eight has been keen to offer arts’ zealots lessons that self-discovery excites human beings in much the same way as it deceives. The excitement that comes after puberty, he enthuses, replete with its wrings with wrong and right, have shaped a life-long career for him.
Kambalu is also quick to point out that, apart from exploring issues of growth and discovery, he is also inspired by his past, and is, sometimes, tempted to depict some facets of that fresh past in his works. His cause is also helped by his interest in people and artistic books.
“At artist should have talent, hard work, develop interest in a wide range of issues, and be educated, to some level. It is because of education that I took to arts’ books. These helped me discover what I was good at, and the sort of stories I had to tell. It also helped me develop perseverance as I developed my skills,” Kambalu says.
Man of three faces
While at was, at first, like a thought too strange to house within Kambalu’s brain, he has grown accustomed to it. In fact, once he made that discovery that “I had a sense of shapes and figures”, his prowess and ambition have shrunk not, establishing him as one of Malawi’s most talented visual artists.
“My farce (at not securing employment), I found, was not tragedy. It, instead, helped me concentrate on learning and nurturing my new-found artistic skills in four grueling years of learning and practice since 2000.
“Today, I cannot believe it that I have evolved into a curator (someone who works of behalf of others to collect art works), art entrepreneur- as owner of La Galleria Africa in Lilongwe- and artist,” Kambalu says.
A hand the reacheth out
While Kambalu seems contented, he decries that Malawi is short on art schools, saying the country needed more institutions such as Bishop Mackenzie and Kamuzu Academy to nurture the country’s raw talent.
“Sometimes, I am made to believe that I am very fortunate that I have attained what I wanted to attain in art. I have also learned a lot from managing my own art gallery, which I bought from Lois Lossaco (owner of La Carvena Art Gallery in Blantyre) last year.
“But others are not that lucky, mainly because we have few art schools in Malawi. That is why on Tuesday, January 15, 2013, I opened Blantyre Art Club in Sunnyside. We want it to be the starting point for people who want to study the arts in this country,” Kambalu explains.
Blantyre Art Club has started offering lessons in visual and performing arts, and is self-funded by Kambalu. Visual art covers drawing, painting, sculpture, and fashion designing, while performing arts has guitar lessons, film making lessons and theatrical performances, voice lessons, among others, on offer.
Kambalu says these lessons are being offered during after-school hours to enable students attend lessons while going ahead with their formal education. Adults are also drawing lessons from Kambalu’s walk in art.
The home of Blantyre Art Club is the studio Kambalu used while working for Liverpool Wellcome Trust –which has just renewed his contract as an Artist-in-Residence, a task that entails working with medical scientists and studying their world- and depicting the same in his art works.
“I want to be in the middle of efforts to create a new generation of artists. I find that the landscape of visual artists in Blantyre lacks fresh energy. The majority of artists seem to be from the 1960s, 70s. What happened to artists born in the 80s? They haven’t been mobilized. That is why I want to concentrate on education other than the finished products,” Kambalu says.
He says also bemoans that local artists are yet to suck from the productive tits of technology, a development he says has hindered their visibility.
Struggles beyond art
Kambalu, “the self-taught artist who hides his real age”, can, sometimes, get into the limelight for historical, other than artistic, reasons. For instance, he was involved in a battle to preserve the first District Commissioner’s office in Lilongwe a couple of years ago.
This was after the government decided to sell the piece of land to foreign direct investors who wanted to construct a shopping complex at the place.
“I was in a bus, and saw people chopping down trees. I did not like the destruction of that monumental building and took the issue with the Ministry of Culture, which suspended the project. I felt so good and proud of myself,” Kambalu says.
This willingness to wrestle the buffalo by the horns could, perhaps, be behind the former Visual Arts Association of Malawi secretary general’s decision to no longer belong to the association.
“It’s true that I used to belong to the association. But I left because, I think, of my radical ideas. I remain in good touch with over 100 members, though,” Kambalu says.
As Kambalu goes back to his silence of ecstasy, he sees, from the transparent windows of Blantyre Art Club, the artistic sunlight creeping, inch by inch, into the new dawn of Malawi arts!
From 'Son of a Poor Man' to 'Time: The Tale of Lucius Banda
With his back to the sea, Lucius Banda seems to have welcomed, faced, and shrugged off competition as one who faces the concourse while holding on to the strand of hope that money is not the real issue but, rather, the satisfaction that comes with the right to express oneself through the only medium he has ever known and loved: Music.
The veteran musician also hastens to say that the influence he has imposed on the local music scene lies both in his origins- as one born in a music-loving family that counts the likes of Sir Paul Banda among its fold- and his temerity to adapt to changing national moods.
“It’s these things that have motivated me and helped me remain relevant. It’s not the money at all; it’s my love for music, and my commitment to music,” Banda says.
“I have never looked at music as, merely, a source of income. Rather, it is something I love to do, and shall continue to do even if I were to become the Head of State and Government. You may wish to remember that, during the time I was Member of Parliament, I continued to compose songs and hold live performances,” Banda adds.
Lucius says, apart from embracing the impulse to identify with the voiceless and marginalised, the fact that music is a global language has helped him compose songs that cater for the emotional needs of members of a diversified audience, thereby giving life experiences the autonomous meaning of value irrespective of context. No wonder that, as expected, people of various backgrounds and age groups have nodded assent to his compositions.
In deed, for over two decades, Malawians have laughed as his levity spreads, and moaned with his voice whenever he has, through his 16 albums, exercised his mind’s capacity to alter human moods. Music lovers have, many a time, turned their heads towards the stage and appreciated, at the sight of Lucius performing live, whence the merriment springs.
The musician says, since day one, he has had no time to relax on middle ground, and maintains that artists still have a lot on their plate to change many facet of life, and bring real development to the less privileged.
When Lucius set out on a music journey that has become his life-long pursuit, he was known for his hard-biting compositions in which, as a lone soldier, he took on the powers-that-be for the sake of the voiceless. Hits like ‘Mabala’, ‘Mizimu’, ‘Ali ndi Njira Zawo’ bear testimony of the militancy that characterized his music.
“Those songs were composed to remind Malawians about where we are coming from, how to live harmoniously with fellow human beings, how to keep in touch with the governed- on part of rulers-, and about God’s love towards human kind,” Banda says.
He says his pioneering songs concentrated on condemning the old excesses of power because, in his view, it becomes a tragedy of enormous proportions when people lose their sense of history and belonging. In order to control the present, he enthuses, one needs to be steeped in the past, and compares failure to learn from the past to losing some vital dimension of one’s intelligence.
Today, while politics still dominates the theme, his songs have also stretched to the themes of love, religion, culture, among others.
The emergence of a new generation of urban musicians- the likes of Lulu, Mafunyeta, Young K, JB, Atumwi, Dan Lu, Issu- has also forced the best out of the Balaka-based musician. In those early years, Lucius, along with artists such as Paul Banda, Charles Sinetre, Cos Chiwalo, Charles Nsaku, gave prominence to the so-called Balaka Reggae.
Today, however, the musician has adapted to changing music tastes by sailing with the wind, but without losing his original touch of maturity, surprise, and constructive criticism.
“I am into every genre now. I compose Jazz songs, Rhumba, Ragga, fusion of traditional music, and almost every type of music because an artist has to remain relevant,” Lucius says.
But, if love and transitional sounds have become the twin roots of his music now, his knack to take on society’s privileged, although a little withered, has not died completely.
The hand of time
Lucius, having been perfected by the hand of time, now takes time to think over the many opportunities and challenges presented to him by time.
The musician reveals that he is doing the final touches on his 17th album aptly titled ‘Time’.
“Everything occurs according to time- the set time, to be specific. That is why we say there is time for everything. It is for this reason that I have been in the studios, recording my next album whose title track is ‘Time’. We started recording it a long time ago, in February last year, and have been working on the final touches,” Lucius says.
He says Malawians should expect the best out of him, disclosing that his latest work is a mixed bag of genres. Urban youths have, also, not been left behind, as the album has its fare share of their favourite music.
“Let me say, however, that the title track doesn’t imply that I have been thinking that it’s time I called it quits on music. I will not quit music because music is like food, and cannot be abandoned. If anything, it’s a question of growing with time,” Lucius says.
The album, replete with 15 tracks, also features international musicians such as South Africa’s Hugh Masekera in a move Lucius described as a step towards consolidating inroads made on the international scene.
He says making it big internationally has remained his life-long goal, adding that this is why he is featuring international acts.
“It’s not only Hugh I have featured. We also have Tutukani Xcele. We want to bring new things,” he says.
New things aside, what remains predictable about the new album is that Lucius has maintained his cogent communication ally of all time: The use of Chichewa as a dominant mode of relating to his audience, with English songs making just five tracks.
MISA MALAWI STATEMENT ON VISIT TO MALAWI BY SPECIAL RAPPORTUER ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION IN AFRICA
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, February 5/2/13
The Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, Commissioner Pansy Tlakula, is in the country to hold a consultative meeting on decriminalization of laws limiting freedom of expression in Malawi.
The consultative meeting will bring together organizations that have worked on decriminalization of laws limiting freedom of expression in Malawi in the past, those that are well positioned to do so in the future, as well as representatives of media groupings whose activities are most jeopardized by the existence of these laws. The meeting is scheduled to take place tomorrow (Wednesday) at Crossroads Hotel, from 8:30 am.
The meeting is designed to build on past efforts and lessons in decriminalizing free speech and explore existing opportunities for immediate advocacy and/or litigation and roadmap for a sustained advocacy campaign on decriminalization of freedom of expression in Malawi.
Commenting on the Special Rapporteur’s visit, MISA Regional Chair Anthony Kasunda has described it as a milestone in the quest for media freedom in the country.
‘This visit is a great opportunity for the media fraternity, freedom of expression advocates and human rights defenders in general. This is the first time that Malawi has hosted such a high level advocacy mission and we intend to capitalize on this mission to drive our local media freedom and Access to Information agendas forward.’
‘The Special Rapporteur’s visit will mark the launch of a concerted effort to decriminalize freedom of expression in Malawi, an approach that often lacked in our past efforts. As a sector, MISA Malawi believes that we have over the years tried to challenge a number of laws inconsistent with constitutional guarantees on media freedom and freedom of expression to varying degrees. MISA and a number of scholars including professor Kanyongolo have documented several laws limiting free speech but our efforts have often been disjointed. I trust that this campaign will set the pace and tone for a concerted and sustained campaign that will build on past experiences and efforts to exploit the current window of opportunity and push for decriminalization of free speech in Malawi,’ Kasunda said.
The Special Rapporteur’s visit has been organized by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in partnership with the World Association of Newspapers (WAN-IFRA), MISA Malawi and the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria.
The Joyce Banda administration has been heralded for taking a bold step to repeal section 46 of the Penal Code, which empowered the Minister of Information to ban publications deemed not in the public interest. The President also gained international praise for calling on Members of Parliament to repeal laws that are repressive and deny Malawians their right to freedom of expression, during the opening of the 43rd Session of Parliament in May 2012.
As MISA, we believe that free speech is paramount in any democracy and affords the citizenry, including the media, a chance to debate and shape public opinion. Without free speech, the media cannot effectively perform its watchdog role and check abuse of power and corruption and safeguard democracy.
Malawi, however, has several laws that limit free speech including the Protected Names, Flag and Emblems Act, the Official Secrets Act (1913), the Printed Publications Act (1947) and the Censorship and Control of Entertainment Act (1968). We commended government for repealing Section 46 of the Penal Code but at the same time requested a critical look at the other laws that negate on the Constitutional guarantee to free speech and media freedom as provided for under Sections 35 and 36 of the Republican Constitution.
We have hope in the leadership of Mrs. Joyce Banda and believe that the campaign on decriminalization of free speech will be a success and that her Excellency Mrs. Joyce Banda will also walk the talk and turn Malawi into a true democracy by repealing all laws that limit free speech.
Signed
Anthony Kasunda
MISA Regional Chairperson,
Tuesday, February 5/2/13
The Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, Commissioner Pansy Tlakula, is in the country to hold a consultative meeting on decriminalization of laws limiting freedom of expression in Malawi.
The consultative meeting will bring together organizations that have worked on decriminalization of laws limiting freedom of expression in Malawi in the past, those that are well positioned to do so in the future, as well as representatives of media groupings whose activities are most jeopardized by the existence of these laws. The meeting is scheduled to take place tomorrow (Wednesday) at Crossroads Hotel, from 8:30 am.
The meeting is designed to build on past efforts and lessons in decriminalizing free speech and explore existing opportunities for immediate advocacy and/or litigation and roadmap for a sustained advocacy campaign on decriminalization of freedom of expression in Malawi.
Commenting on the Special Rapporteur’s visit, MISA Regional Chair Anthony Kasunda has described it as a milestone in the quest for media freedom in the country.
‘This visit is a great opportunity for the media fraternity, freedom of expression advocates and human rights defenders in general. This is the first time that Malawi has hosted such a high level advocacy mission and we intend to capitalize on this mission to drive our local media freedom and Access to Information agendas forward.’
‘The Special Rapporteur’s visit will mark the launch of a concerted effort to decriminalize freedom of expression in Malawi, an approach that often lacked in our past efforts. As a sector, MISA Malawi believes that we have over the years tried to challenge a number of laws inconsistent with constitutional guarantees on media freedom and freedom of expression to varying degrees. MISA and a number of scholars including professor Kanyongolo have documented several laws limiting free speech but our efforts have often been disjointed. I trust that this campaign will set the pace and tone for a concerted and sustained campaign that will build on past experiences and efforts to exploit the current window of opportunity and push for decriminalization of free speech in Malawi,’ Kasunda said.
The Special Rapporteur’s visit has been organized by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in partnership with the World Association of Newspapers (WAN-IFRA), MISA Malawi and the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria.
The Joyce Banda administration has been heralded for taking a bold step to repeal section 46 of the Penal Code, which empowered the Minister of Information to ban publications deemed not in the public interest. The President also gained international praise for calling on Members of Parliament to repeal laws that are repressive and deny Malawians their right to freedom of expression, during the opening of the 43rd Session of Parliament in May 2012.
As MISA, we believe that free speech is paramount in any democracy and affords the citizenry, including the media, a chance to debate and shape public opinion. Without free speech, the media cannot effectively perform its watchdog role and check abuse of power and corruption and safeguard democracy.
Malawi, however, has several laws that limit free speech including the Protected Names, Flag and Emblems Act, the Official Secrets Act (1913), the Printed Publications Act (1947) and the Censorship and Control of Entertainment Act (1968). We commended government for repealing Section 46 of the Penal Code but at the same time requested a critical look at the other laws that negate on the Constitutional guarantee to free speech and media freedom as provided for under Sections 35 and 36 of the Republican Constitution.
We have hope in the leadership of Mrs. Joyce Banda and believe that the campaign on decriminalization of free speech will be a success and that her Excellency Mrs. Joyce Banda will also walk the talk and turn Malawi into a true democracy by repealing all laws that limit free speech.
Signed
Anthony Kasunda
MISA Regional Chairperson,
What's President Joyce Banda's Take on Corruption? February 5, 2013 Has The Answers
SPEECH BY
HER EXCELLENCY MRS JOYCE BANDA
THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALAWI
AT
THE COMMEMORATION OF
THE NATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY
AT
MANGOCHI AIR WING, MANGOCHI
TUESDAY, 5TH FEBRUARY, 2013
Your Excellency, Chief Justice Richard Banda, Retired.
Your Honour, Right Hon. Khumbo Kachali,
Vice President of the Republic of Malawi.
Hon. Ralph Kasambara, Sc, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
Rt. Honourable Henry Chimunthu Banda, M.P. The Speaker of Parliament.
Your Lordship the Chief Justice, Hon. Lovemore Munlo, Sc.
Mr. Bright Msaka, Sc, Chief Secretary to Government.
Justice Rizine Mzikamanda, Sc, Director of Anti-Corruption Bureau.
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Bishop Dr. Joseph Bvumbwe, Chairman of the National Integrity Committee,
And members of the Committee here present
Hon. Dr. Clement Chiwaya, Member of Parliament for Mangochi Central Constituency.
Mr. Thomas Chirwa, District Commissioner, Mangochi District Council.
Leaders of various Political Parties
Members of the Civil society
The Media
Distinguished invited guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is a great pleasure for me to preside over this year’s Commemoration of the Anti-Corruption Day here in Mangochi. Today is a very important day for our nation as we commemorate our efforts in the fight against corruption. Today we reflect on our successes and challenges in uprooting the dangers and evils of corruption in our society under the theme ““Media; a Partner in the Fight Against Corruption.”
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
As you all may be aware, Malawi suffers corruption in many different ways: from high level corruption to simple bribery that impedes service delivery. In the past, corruption has been enforced by patronage and nepotism that has exacerbated inequality and poverty in Malawian society.
Since the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy in 2008, the framework for dealing with corruption does exist in the country. Furthermore, Malawi has a very good Constitution and strong anti-corruption laws to fight corruption. Coordinating structures and initiatives by civil society and private sector do exist to support government efforts to fight corruption.
However, there is a very big disparity between institutional framework and practice. As you may recall, during my speech to Parliament on May 18th, 2012, I observed that Government was losing a lot of resources to cases of fraud, embezzlement and misprocurement in ministries, departments and statutory corporations. According to Transparency International Reports, Corruption is seen to be particularly severe in the police, registry and permit services, customs and the judiciary.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
When I took office, our country faced numerous social economic problems. My Government decided to implement the economic recovery plan as a roadmap to recover the economy. One of the strategies of the economic recovery plan is to ensure a systemic approach through the Projects Implementation and Monitoring Unit, to monitoring implementation of Government projects which in turn has a greater impact on overcoming corruption.
In the past, Government efforts to fight corruption have been caught in a vicious cycle where as a country we have not broken through. This calls for new strategies in dealing with corruption in the country.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
My Government is aware that our nation is facing tremendous forces against the economic recovery plan. One such major evil force is corruption. Corruption, if left unchecked, will erode the moral values of our society and retard the development course of our nation. Corruption is evil and if unchecked, will drain the necessary available resources for putting our economy back on track. Corruption frustrates Government efforts for rebuilding the economy. Corruption benefits a few greedy individuals and hurts the poor most. It diverts public resources from essential social services such as hospital drugs and the building of public infrastructures. This is why my Government is determined to fight corruption to the bitter end in order to create a corruption free Malawi where social and economic development flourish.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
Through the economic recovery plan, I have also initiated Ministerial Delivery Meetings to enhance efficient and effective delivery of public service. During these meetings many structural deficiencies have been identified and corrected. For example, in some Ministries and departments, very junior officers were chairing internal procurement committees and because of low level of responsibility, issues of compliance and accountability were overlooked. I have since directed that the Principal Secretaries and Controlling Officers should personally chair the Internal Procurement Committees and remain personally accountable for procurement in Government.
It was also noted that many projects could wait for months because a “no objection” response was not received either from the Office of Director of Public Procurement or Ministry of Justice. As a result of such delays, many projects were either not implemented and lost financing or implemented very late. During these delivery meetings, I have directed that if a ministry does not receive feedback for three months, for whatever reason, it will be granted that the “no objection” clearance has been authorized.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my reasoned view that for us to fight corruption, we need to build an efficient and effective public service that delivers on its mandate. For us to fight corruption, we need policies that emphasize equity and development. My Government is committed to ensure that we fight poverty by creating wealth and jobs so that people have access to decent incomes. My Government is developing new and unconventional ways to overcome corruption.
In this regard, my Government is building capacity of our security agencies to redirect their efforts to economic intelligence where we can uncover many networks and rings that are undermining our economy. I want to warn anyone who engages in corruption, wherever you are, that very soon you will be exposed.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
My Government is aware of the important role that various sectors play in the fight against corruption. You will all agree with me that corrupt free public and private institutions are vital for the development of our nation. As I said earlier on, corruption undermines the effective service delivery of our institutions, hence the need for concerted efforts to eradicate all forms of corrupt practices in all sectors of our society.
This function today presents yet another platform for my Government to reiterate our stand that we will not tolerate corruption at any level in this country. Today, as we commemorate the National Anti-Corruption Day, I wish to send a stern warning to Government Departments and all other sectors including private sector, that my Government will not allow its development efforts to be undermined because of selfish individuals who wish to enrich themselves by diverting public resources meant to uplift the life of our people. Such unscrupulous individuals will not be left scot free. This administration will ensure that corrupt practices when reported are thoroughly investigated, efficiently prosecuted and those found guilty are punished accordingly.
To demonstrate my Government’s commitment to fight corruption, we have appointed a respected judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal so that the Anti-Corruption Bureau can regain its respect and integrity in society.
My Government is also committed to ensure that the Office of the Auditor General exercises independence and professionalism in the discharge of its duties.
To that end my Government will ensure that these public accountability institutions including the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Office of the Auditor General are appropriately resourced to enable them operate independently, efficiently and effectively. The Bureau must not be used as a tool for witch hunting. The Bureau must be allowed to carry out its work professionally, impartially, fairly and without any interference.
Let me make this very clear, here and now, that this President, standing before you, is determined to get to the bottom of corruption in this country. There will be no sacred cows; no protected species and no special ones. As for the Bureau and the Auditor General I want you to fully join me on this crusade to rid mother Malawi of this evil.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
Today I am pleased that Government is partnering with the media in our commemoration of the National Anti-Corruption Day. The media is our partner in the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, a policy document that Government, through the Anti-Corruption Bureau, is using to involve various sectors in the fight against corruption in this country.
The theme for this function: “Media; a Partner in the Fight Against Corruption,” underscores the importance of the media in making our country, a corrupt free nation.
The media has the power to reach out to all Malawians and inform them on the evils of corruption and how everyone should take part in the fight against corruption.
In the fight against corruption, the role of the media is to support Government in disseminating messages on evils of corruption, foster the support of public in the fight against corruption and expose corrupt practices in different sectors of our society for the law to take its course. This is why my Government values, supports and upholds press freedom.
The role of the media is neither to frustrate government in its efforts to develop the nation nor to confuse the public, but to partner with Malawians in advancing anti-corruption drive for sustainable development of our nation.
While my Government values and supports media freedom, I wish to appeal to all media houses to act with maturity and responsibility as you reach out to the people. The media should be a force to build our nation, not to destroy it through publications or airing of malicious fabricated stories for personal benefit.
Government is pleased however, that most media houses are supporting our anti-corruption efforts as demonstrated by your presence today. I wish to commend you for your support to my Government.
I would also like to thank the media pillar for the gifts that you have given to me. I will be listening to news on that radio. I will also use the dictionary as I read.
Lastly, I want to thank our development partners for their support in the fight against corruption in this country. I also wish to commend the efforts that are being made by the Anti-Corruption Bureau in the fight against corruption. I know it is tough but I encourage you to keep up the good job. You have a friend at State House in the fight against corruption.
Thank you very much and May God Bless Malawi
Saturday, January 26, 2013
TNM Super League Update: Mighty Wanderers 2- Azam Tigers 0
That's how it has ended at the Kamuzu Stadium.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Page 1 1 STATEMENT OF THE MALAWI HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION INITIAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE 17 TH JANUARY 2013 DEMONSTRATIONS
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (the Commission) monitored the 17
th January, 2013 demonstrations in line with its constitutional mandate of promoting and protecting human rights.
This includes monitoring situations which are prone to human rights violations and
abuses, such as demonstrations. The monitoring took the form of tracking and documenting media reports and on-spot monitoring, of developments relating to the demonstrations.
Prior to the demonstrations, the Commission’s Chairperson, Ambassador Sophie Asimenye
Kalinde engaged key stakeholders including: officials at the Malawi Police Service
Headquarters, the organizers of the demonstrations and some concerned civil society groups in Mzuzu and Karonga. During the demonstrations, the Commission’s monitoring teams were dispatched to Blantyre, Mzuzu and Lilongwe.
Commenting on the outcome of the
demonstrations, the Commission’s Chairperson has said:“It must be emphasised that the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi guarantees the right to assemble and hold demonstrations peacefully and unarmed under section 38.
This right must be respected and upheld by all duty bearers as demanded by section 15 of the Constitution. It is commendable that the 17th January demonstrations were peaceful.
The demonstrations saw the participation of significantly sizeable crowds that were observably unarmed and non-violent.
Generally, government demonstrated its commitment to upholding the right to peaceful assembly by making it clear that it welcomed the peaceful demonstrations. Relevant government agencies also played their rightful roles. The police in particular conducted their policing within the ambit of the law; no excessive force was employed and they exercised great restraint even in the face of provocative chants directed at them by some of the demonstrators.
It is also reassuring to learn that
there were no reports of any arbitrary arrests in connection with the demonstrations”.
She further observed that:“most importantly, the demonstrators, in particular the organizers,played by the rules of peaceful and non-violent demonstrations. Notably, there was a good relationship between the organizers, the police and the District Commissioners/Chief Executive Officers as evidenced by their cordial discussions at the points of petition delivery.
The media, on their part, responsibly and extensively covered the demonstrations, and the public broadcaster carried news footage of the demonstrations”.
Concluding her remarks on the Commission’s initial observations on the Demonstrations the Chairperson said:“The 17th January demonstrations are not about an individual or a group of individuals.
They are about the larger picture; the entrenchment of a culture of respect for human
rights in Malawi. The demonstrations represent a right step towards the respect for diversity of opinions and free expression of the same, through peaceful assembly and demonstrations, among other means, which is the hallmark of democracy.
Achieving this step took the concerted efforts by several players including: government and its agencies, especially the police; the demonstrations organizers; the media and most importantly the people of Malawi.”The Commission’s Chairperson has since recommended that “many demonstrations can be avoided if the political leaders in government ensure at all times that there are effective communication channels between them and the governed, providing opportunities for people to raise
substantive concerns on issues of public interest and providing meaningful responses to such issues.
This is crystalysed in section 12 of the Constitution in these terms; (1) All persons responsible for the exercise of powers of the state do so on trust and shall only exercise such power to the extent of their lawful authority and in accordance with their responsibilities to the people of Malawi. (2) The authority to exercise power of the state is conditional upon the sustained trust of the people of Malawi
and that trust can be maintained through open, accountable and transparent government and informed democratic choice”.
The Commission is finalising its comprehensive report on the demonstrations. Once finalised, the report will be shared with all relevant stakeholders.
The Commission is a constitutional body established under Chapter IV, section 129 of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi and governed by the Human Rights Commission Act of 1998 (Cap 3: 08 of the Laws of Malawi). Its primary mandate is to promote and protect human rights and investigate violations of human rights.
The Commission monitored and investigated cases arising from the July 20, 2011 demonstrations.
In its Investigation Report, the Commission established that 19 people were killed by security forces with one dying at the hospital as a result of suffocation from tear-gas. The current fifth cohort of Commissioners that was appointed by Her Excellency the State President Mrs. Joyce Banda, effective July 5, 2012, comprises:
Ambassador Sophie Asimenye Kalinde (Chairperson); Mr. Marshal Chilenga; Reverend Dr. Zacc Kawalala; Mr. Rodgers Newa, Mr. Benedicto Kondowe, Mr. Dalitso Kubalasa, Mr. Stephen Nkoka, Justice Tujilane Chizumila, Rtd (the Ombudsman) and Mrs. Gertrude Lynn Hiwa SC (the Law Commissioner).
th January, 2013 demonstrations in line with its constitutional mandate of promoting and protecting human rights.
This includes monitoring situations which are prone to human rights violations and
abuses, such as demonstrations. The monitoring took the form of tracking and documenting media reports and on-spot monitoring, of developments relating to the demonstrations.
Prior to the demonstrations, the Commission’s Chairperson, Ambassador Sophie Asimenye
Kalinde engaged key stakeholders including: officials at the Malawi Police Service
Headquarters, the organizers of the demonstrations and some concerned civil society groups in Mzuzu and Karonga. During the demonstrations, the Commission’s monitoring teams were dispatched to Blantyre, Mzuzu and Lilongwe.
Commenting on the outcome of the
demonstrations, the Commission’s Chairperson has said:“It must be emphasised that the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi guarantees the right to assemble and hold demonstrations peacefully and unarmed under section 38.
This right must be respected and upheld by all duty bearers as demanded by section 15 of the Constitution. It is commendable that the 17th January demonstrations were peaceful.
The demonstrations saw the participation of significantly sizeable crowds that were observably unarmed and non-violent.
Generally, government demonstrated its commitment to upholding the right to peaceful assembly by making it clear that it welcomed the peaceful demonstrations. Relevant government agencies also played their rightful roles. The police in particular conducted their policing within the ambit of the law; no excessive force was employed and they exercised great restraint even in the face of provocative chants directed at them by some of the demonstrators.
It is also reassuring to learn that
there were no reports of any arbitrary arrests in connection with the demonstrations”.
She further observed that:“most importantly, the demonstrators, in particular the organizers,played by the rules of peaceful and non-violent demonstrations. Notably, there was a good relationship between the organizers, the police and the District Commissioners/Chief Executive Officers as evidenced by their cordial discussions at the points of petition delivery.
The media, on their part, responsibly and extensively covered the demonstrations, and the public broadcaster carried news footage of the demonstrations”.
Concluding her remarks on the Commission’s initial observations on the Demonstrations the Chairperson said:“The 17th January demonstrations are not about an individual or a group of individuals.
They are about the larger picture; the entrenchment of a culture of respect for human
rights in Malawi. The demonstrations represent a right step towards the respect for diversity of opinions and free expression of the same, through peaceful assembly and demonstrations, among other means, which is the hallmark of democracy.
Achieving this step took the concerted efforts by several players including: government and its agencies, especially the police; the demonstrations organizers; the media and most importantly the people of Malawi.”The Commission’s Chairperson has since recommended that “many demonstrations can be avoided if the political leaders in government ensure at all times that there are effective communication channels between them and the governed, providing opportunities for people to raise
substantive concerns on issues of public interest and providing meaningful responses to such issues.
This is crystalysed in section 12 of the Constitution in these terms; (1) All persons responsible for the exercise of powers of the state do so on trust and shall only exercise such power to the extent of their lawful authority and in accordance with their responsibilities to the people of Malawi. (2) The authority to exercise power of the state is conditional upon the sustained trust of the people of Malawi
and that trust can be maintained through open, accountable and transparent government and informed democratic choice”.
The Commission is finalising its comprehensive report on the demonstrations. Once finalised, the report will be shared with all relevant stakeholders.
The Commission is a constitutional body established under Chapter IV, section 129 of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi and governed by the Human Rights Commission Act of 1998 (Cap 3: 08 of the Laws of Malawi). Its primary mandate is to promote and protect human rights and investigate violations of human rights.
The Commission monitored and investigated cases arising from the July 20, 2011 demonstrations.
In its Investigation Report, the Commission established that 19 people were killed by security forces with one dying at the hospital as a result of suffocation from tear-gas. The current fifth cohort of Commissioners that was appointed by Her Excellency the State President Mrs. Joyce Banda, effective July 5, 2012, comprises:
Ambassador Sophie Asimenye Kalinde (Chairperson); Mr. Marshal Chilenga; Reverend Dr. Zacc Kawalala; Mr. Rodgers Newa, Mr. Benedicto Kondowe, Mr. Dalitso Kubalasa, Mr. Stephen Nkoka, Justice Tujilane Chizumila, Rtd (the Ombudsman) and Mrs. Gertrude Lynn Hiwa SC (the Law Commissioner).
Thursday, January 17, 2013
MISA MALAWI STATEMENT ON DEMONSTRATIONS
PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEIATE RELEASE
16 January, 2013
MISA Malawi appeal to Journalists to be ethical during the January 17
demonstrations
The Malawi Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa is appealing
to all Journalists and Media houses to exercise highest level of
professionalism when covering the demonstrations tomorrow.
The Chapter would also like to take this opportunity to appealto the
Police to respect the right of journalists to freely cover the
demonstrations.
Tomorrow’s demonstrations, organised by the Consumers Association of
Malawi (CAMA),and scheduled to start at 0800 hours across the country,
come at a time when Malawiansare trying to forget the brutal and violent
nature of July 20, 2011 mass demonstrations that left 11 peopledead and
scores of others injured, including 22 journalists who were either beaten
or arrested for no apparent reason.The Commission of Inquiry established
to probe the killings and brutal manner in which law enforcers tried to
contain the demonstrations offered a number of recommendations to prevent
a repeat of what happened in July 2011. The recommendations included a
call for the media to be sensitive and professional when covering
demonstrations and for law enforcers to respect constitutional guarantees
on freedom of expression and assembly, among others.
It is on this basis that MISA Malawi calls upon all media outlets and
journalists to be responsible when reporting on the demonstrations. We
also appeal to journalists to publish stories that are balanced, fair to
all sides and do not promote or insight violence or hatred.
In the same vein, we would like to appeal to the Police to respect
people’s right to assemble and demonstrate as well as journalists’ right
to freely gather and report as provided for under Section 36 of the
Republican Constitution which states:“the press shall have the right to
report and publish freely, within Malawi and abroad and be accorded the
fullest possible facilities for access to public information.”
This section recognizes the relevance of free flow of information in
building an informed nation and we expect the Police to respect this
right.
Lastly, we would like to assure the media fraternity and the general
public that MISA Malawi Chapter will monitor the demonstrations and act
accordingly if journalists are victimised. The Chapter will also ensure
that way ward reporters suffer the consequences of their actions. We also
urge victims of violations to report the same to relevant authorities in
time.
Signed
Antony Kasunda
MISA Malawi Chairperson
16 January, 2013
MISA Malawi appeal to Journalists to be ethical during the January 17
demonstrations
The Malawi Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa is appealing
to all Journalists and Media houses to exercise highest level of
professionalism when covering the demonstrations tomorrow.
The Chapter would also like to take this opportunity to appealto the
Police to respect the right of journalists to freely cover the
demonstrations.
Tomorrow’s demonstrations, organised by the Consumers Association of
Malawi (CAMA),and scheduled to start at 0800 hours across the country,
come at a time when Malawiansare trying to forget the brutal and violent
nature of July 20, 2011 mass demonstrations that left 11 peopledead and
scores of others injured, including 22 journalists who were either beaten
or arrested for no apparent reason.The Commission of Inquiry established
to probe the killings and brutal manner in which law enforcers tried to
contain the demonstrations offered a number of recommendations to prevent
a repeat of what happened in July 2011. The recommendations included a
call for the media to be sensitive and professional when covering
demonstrations and for law enforcers to respect constitutional guarantees
on freedom of expression and assembly, among others.
It is on this basis that MISA Malawi calls upon all media outlets and
journalists to be responsible when reporting on the demonstrations. We
also appeal to journalists to publish stories that are balanced, fair to
all sides and do not promote or insight violence or hatred.
In the same vein, we would like to appeal to the Police to respect
people’s right to assemble and demonstrate as well as journalists’ right
to freely gather and report as provided for under Section 36 of the
Republican Constitution which states:“the press shall have the right to
report and publish freely, within Malawi and abroad and be accorded the
fullest possible facilities for access to public information.”
This section recognizes the relevance of free flow of information in
building an informed nation and we expect the Police to respect this
right.
Lastly, we would like to assure the media fraternity and the general
public that MISA Malawi Chapter will monitor the demonstrations and act
accordingly if journalists are victimised. The Chapter will also ensure
that way ward reporters suffer the consequences of their actions. We also
urge victims of violations to report the same to relevant authorities in
time.
Signed
Antony Kasunda
MISA Malawi Chairperson
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
PETITION AGAINST JUDGEMENT PASSED IN DOWA MAGISTRATES COURT IN A DEFILEMENT CASE
TO: The Attorney General, Ministry of Justice, P/Bag 15, Lilongwe
CC: The Minister of Justice, Ministry of Justice, P/Bag 15, Lilongwe
CC: The Director of Public Prosecutions, Ministry of Justice, P/Bag 15, Lilongwe
CC: The Chief Justice, P.O. Box 30244, Chichiri, Blantyre 3
CC: The Registrar of the High Court, P.O. Box 30244, Chichiri, Blantyre 3
CC: The Chief Prosecutor, Malawi Police, P.O. Box 305, Lilongwe
CC: The Clerk of Parliament, National Assembly, P/Bag B362, Lilongwe
CC: The Member of Parliament for the area
From: Concerned Citizens
Date: 3 January 2013
PETITION AGAINST JUDGEMENT PASSED IN DOWA MAGISTRATES COURT IN A DEFILEMENT CASE
On 3rd January 2013 it was reported on local radio stations that First Grade Magistrate Titus Banda of Dowa Magistrates Court acquitted fifty year old Burundian Seleman Jonathan who sexually molested a ten year old girl because “the girl said she did not feel pain when she was being molested.” Further, the court said that the hospital report was not conclusive, yet the police from the area say that the report clearly indicated that the girl was defiled.
While acknowledging that the Police in Dowa have appealed the case and the High Court and Director of Public Prosecutions are reviewing the case files, we the undersigned would like to register our concern regarding these kinds of determinations on cases to do with rape in the strongest terms possible. The Nation Newspaper of 31st December reported that there are seven reported cases of rape daily in Malawi and we have no idea just how many go unreported. We are outraged that someone entrusted with interpreting the law as this Magistrate would pass judgement that goes against the very statutes outlined in the Malawi Penal Code.
A cursory interpretation of the Section 138 of the Penal Code by us as laymen shows that the Court did not rule within the guidelines of the law regarding an issue of rape. The Penal Code states:
Any person who has unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman or girl, without her consent, or with her consent if the consent is obtained by force or means of threats or intimidation of any kind, or by fear of bodily harm, or by means of false representations as to the nature of the act, or in the case of a married woman, by personating her husband, shall be guilty of the felony termed rape.
Any person who unlawfully and indecently assaults any woman or girl shall be guilty of a felony and shall be liable to imprisonment for fourteen years.
It shall be no defence to a charge for an indecent assault on a girl under the age of sixteen years to prove that she consented to the act of indecency.
Any person who unlawfully and carnally knows any girl under the age of sixteen years shall be guilty of a felony and shall be liable to imprisonment for life
The implication of this judgement is that the sexual molestation was a consensual act, yet the Penal Code clearly states that anyone below the age of sixteen cannot make such a decision about sex. The newspaper reported that the girl was given K30 to buy her silence and was also given pain medication and was not able to walk properly, which attests to the violence of the act.
We believe that the principles of the judicial system are intended to provide justice for the offended and punishment and reformation for the offender. In this particular case, the victim did not get an appropriate judgement for such a heinous crime, and we believe this is a miscarriage of justice. With the increase of rape and defilement cases in Malawi, we also believe that such determinations adversely contribute to the belief some habitual sex offenders have that they will get away with it, and indeed many of them do.
The physical, emotional and psychological effects of rape and sexual violation especially with young girls are traumatic, well documented and enduring. Other social and health consequences like stigma and sexually transmitted diseases are also a certainty.
We are outraged and demand from our judicial and police authorities the following:
That the judgement be quashed by a higher authority in the judicial system and the case is retried, with a review on the judgement in light of the Penal Code and re-examination of the facts.. We would like to see that the process is expedited to get justice for this girl
That the judicial authorities take strict action against Magistrates who disregard the law when passing judgement especially in rape cases and that the full extent of the prescribed punishment is applied to offenders to deter others.
That the judicial authorities review the training and equipping of Magistrates so that they demonstrate a good understanding of the laws and use the principles of precedents, statutes, laws and evidence interpretation to ensure fairness, transparency and indeed justice for victims of crimes.
That Police authorities and Government invest in the training of Police Prosecutors to get adequate presentation of facts of such cases to ensure that victims get justice
That the government through judicial authorities takes steps to create a database of sex offenders to deter people from such crimes
That there should be an investigation into this matter to see if there were underhand dealings by any of the concerned parties and appropriate sanctions be taken against any such dealings.
Signed
CC: The Minister of Justice, Ministry of Justice, P/Bag 15, Lilongwe
CC: The Director of Public Prosecutions, Ministry of Justice, P/Bag 15, Lilongwe
CC: The Chief Justice, P.O. Box 30244, Chichiri, Blantyre 3
CC: The Registrar of the High Court, P.O. Box 30244, Chichiri, Blantyre 3
CC: The Chief Prosecutor, Malawi Police, P.O. Box 305, Lilongwe
CC: The Clerk of Parliament, National Assembly, P/Bag B362, Lilongwe
CC: The Member of Parliament for the area
From: Concerned Citizens
Date: 3 January 2013
PETITION AGAINST JUDGEMENT PASSED IN DOWA MAGISTRATES COURT IN A DEFILEMENT CASE
On 3rd January 2013 it was reported on local radio stations that First Grade Magistrate Titus Banda of Dowa Magistrates Court acquitted fifty year old Burundian Seleman Jonathan who sexually molested a ten year old girl because “the girl said she did not feel pain when she was being molested.” Further, the court said that the hospital report was not conclusive, yet the police from the area say that the report clearly indicated that the girl was defiled.
While acknowledging that the Police in Dowa have appealed the case and the High Court and Director of Public Prosecutions are reviewing the case files, we the undersigned would like to register our concern regarding these kinds of determinations on cases to do with rape in the strongest terms possible. The Nation Newspaper of 31st December reported that there are seven reported cases of rape daily in Malawi and we have no idea just how many go unreported. We are outraged that someone entrusted with interpreting the law as this Magistrate would pass judgement that goes against the very statutes outlined in the Malawi Penal Code.
A cursory interpretation of the Section 138 of the Penal Code by us as laymen shows that the Court did not rule within the guidelines of the law regarding an issue of rape. The Penal Code states:
Any person who has unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman or girl, without her consent, or with her consent if the consent is obtained by force or means of threats or intimidation of any kind, or by fear of bodily harm, or by means of false representations as to the nature of the act, or in the case of a married woman, by personating her husband, shall be guilty of the felony termed rape.
Any person who unlawfully and indecently assaults any woman or girl shall be guilty of a felony and shall be liable to imprisonment for fourteen years.
It shall be no defence to a charge for an indecent assault on a girl under the age of sixteen years to prove that she consented to the act of indecency.
Any person who unlawfully and carnally knows any girl under the age of sixteen years shall be guilty of a felony and shall be liable to imprisonment for life
The implication of this judgement is that the sexual molestation was a consensual act, yet the Penal Code clearly states that anyone below the age of sixteen cannot make such a decision about sex. The newspaper reported that the girl was given K30 to buy her silence and was also given pain medication and was not able to walk properly, which attests to the violence of the act.
We believe that the principles of the judicial system are intended to provide justice for the offended and punishment and reformation for the offender. In this particular case, the victim did not get an appropriate judgement for such a heinous crime, and we believe this is a miscarriage of justice. With the increase of rape and defilement cases in Malawi, we also believe that such determinations adversely contribute to the belief some habitual sex offenders have that they will get away with it, and indeed many of them do.
The physical, emotional and psychological effects of rape and sexual violation especially with young girls are traumatic, well documented and enduring. Other social and health consequences like stigma and sexually transmitted diseases are also a certainty.
We are outraged and demand from our judicial and police authorities the following:
That the judgement be quashed by a higher authority in the judicial system and the case is retried, with a review on the judgement in light of the Penal Code and re-examination of the facts.. We would like to see that the process is expedited to get justice for this girl
That the judicial authorities take strict action against Magistrates who disregard the law when passing judgement especially in rape cases and that the full extent of the prescribed punishment is applied to offenders to deter others.
That the judicial authorities review the training and equipping of Magistrates so that they demonstrate a good understanding of the laws and use the principles of precedents, statutes, laws and evidence interpretation to ensure fairness, transparency and indeed justice for victims of crimes.
That Police authorities and Government invest in the training of Police Prosecutors to get adequate presentation of facts of such cases to ensure that victims get justice
That the government through judicial authorities takes steps to create a database of sex offenders to deter people from such crimes
That there should be an investigation into this matter to see if there were underhand dealings by any of the concerned parties and appropriate sanctions be taken against any such dealings.
Signed
10-YEAR OLD DOWA DEFILEMENT VICTIM INSPIRES CITIZEN ACTION
BLANTYRE, 15 JANUARY 2013:Rising statistics of rape and defilement of underage girls in the country have galvanisedoutraged Malawians into action. On Wednesday 16 March 2013, a petition from concerned citizens will be delivered to key stakeholders in the police and justice systems, protesting the judgment handed down in the case of a 50-year old perpetrator who sexually molested a 10-year old Dowa girl.
On 3rd January 2013, it was reported on local radio stations that First Grade Magistrate Titus Banda of Dowa Magistrates Court acquitted 50 year old Burundian Seleman Jonathan who sexually molested the 10 year old girl because "she did not feel pain when she was being molested." Further, the court said that the hospital report was not conclusive. However, police from the area say that the report clearly indicated that the girl was defiled.
“When I learned about this judgment, I felt upset that someone who should protect the child and guarantee her justice would so callously trivialise the trauma she went through,” says SteveriaKadangwe, explaining why she initiated the online petition on popular social network Facebook.
The group “Petition Against Dowa Court Ruling” has 4,861 members and the set target of 1000 signatures was exceeded by Monday 14 January after just a week of appeals for support. Malawians from all regions of the country as well as those living outside the country have voiced their support of the petition. Notable signatories to the protest include economist Prof ThandikaMkandawire and lawyer Wapona Kita.
Simultaneous presentations of the petition will be made on 16 March 2013 in Lilongwe (9am) and Blantyre (11am). Co-organisersMsSteveriaKadangweand MrMuvaSamboas well as Mr Maxwell Matewere (Executive Director of Eye of The Child) will deliver the Blantyre petitions while Mrs ZilanieNyundo and Pastor Salome Mwanza-Zagabe will make parallel presentations in Lilongwe.Intended recipients are The Attorney General/ Minister of Justice, The Director of Public Prosecutions, The Registrar of the High Court, The Chief Prosecutor of Malawi Police, The Chief Justice andThe Clerk of Parliament.
“It is important that as citizens we register our dissatisfaction with how this judgment has made a mockery of our constitution,” says co-organiser Taweni Gondwe-Xaba.
“We are encouraged by the Dowa Police’s own appeal in this matter as well as the fact that the Registrar of the High Court and the Director of Public Prosecutions are already reviewing the case files. We sincerely hope that a retrial will be the outcome,” she says, further adding, “The alternative sets an alarming precedent for the future protection of the girl child in Malawi.”
The secondary objective of the petition campaign is to raise awareness of the growing rape and defilement crisis in Malawi and get ordinary citizens to recognise that, collectively, the people have the power to make enough noise to achieve the change they seek.
“The enthusiastic response of the public to the call for signatures has made me realise that Malawians are tired of the apathetic manner in which rape and defilement cases are dealt with and would like to see some serious action taken,” Kadangwe concludes.
On 3rd January 2013, it was reported on local radio stations that First Grade Magistrate Titus Banda of Dowa Magistrates Court acquitted 50 year old Burundian Seleman Jonathan who sexually molested the 10 year old girl because "she did not feel pain when she was being molested." Further, the court said that the hospital report was not conclusive. However, police from the area say that the report clearly indicated that the girl was defiled.
“When I learned about this judgment, I felt upset that someone who should protect the child and guarantee her justice would so callously trivialise the trauma she went through,” says SteveriaKadangwe, explaining why she initiated the online petition on popular social network Facebook.
The group “Petition Against Dowa Court Ruling” has 4,861 members and the set target of 1000 signatures was exceeded by Monday 14 January after just a week of appeals for support. Malawians from all regions of the country as well as those living outside the country have voiced their support of the petition. Notable signatories to the protest include economist Prof ThandikaMkandawire and lawyer Wapona Kita.
Simultaneous presentations of the petition will be made on 16 March 2013 in Lilongwe (9am) and Blantyre (11am). Co-organisersMsSteveriaKadangweand MrMuvaSamboas well as Mr Maxwell Matewere (Executive Director of Eye of The Child) will deliver the Blantyre petitions while Mrs ZilanieNyundo and Pastor Salome Mwanza-Zagabe will make parallel presentations in Lilongwe.Intended recipients are The Attorney General/ Minister of Justice, The Director of Public Prosecutions, The Registrar of the High Court, The Chief Prosecutor of Malawi Police, The Chief Justice andThe Clerk of Parliament.
“It is important that as citizens we register our dissatisfaction with how this judgment has made a mockery of our constitution,” says co-organiser Taweni Gondwe-Xaba.
“We are encouraged by the Dowa Police’s own appeal in this matter as well as the fact that the Registrar of the High Court and the Director of Public Prosecutions are already reviewing the case files. We sincerely hope that a retrial will be the outcome,” she says, further adding, “The alternative sets an alarming precedent for the future protection of the girl child in Malawi.”
The secondary objective of the petition campaign is to raise awareness of the growing rape and defilement crisis in Malawi and get ordinary citizens to recognise that, collectively, the people have the power to make enough noise to achieve the change they seek.
“The enthusiastic response of the public to the call for signatures has made me realise that Malawians are tired of the apathetic manner in which rape and defilement cases are dealt with and would like to see some serious action taken,” Kadangwe concludes.
The AUC and CGIAR Consortium agree to enhance collaboration in advancing a Science and Technology Agenda for African Agriculture
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 15 January 2013 – In an event that highlights continued progress towards African agricultural sustainability, African Union Commission (AUC) Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, H.E. Rhoda Peace Tumusiime and Chief Executive Officer of the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR Consortium), Dr. Frank Rijsberman today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of the two organizations.
The MoU describes a strategic partnership under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) of the AUC and CGIAR Consortium to facilitate, “enhanced coordination, collaboration, and alignment between CGIAR Consortium members and initiatives and those of African agricultural research and development organizations at the country, sub-regional, and continental levels with regard to their respective priorities, objectives, and programs for increased agricultural productivity in Africa.”
In her welcome remarks during the signing ceremony, held at the AUC Headquarters, H.E. Tumusiime stated that, “The signing of this MoU with CGIAR Consortium has a special significance, for it comes at a time when global attention has focused on Africa’s resolve to shoulder its responsibilities of making hunger and destitution history.” She further stated that, “The AUC recognizes that feeding Africa’s population and enabling agriculture play a critical economic transformation role in much of Africa needs to be supported by tried and tested technologies and home-grown policy initiatives.”
Mrs. Tumusiime also expressed her confidence that the CGIAR Consortium would prove to be a significant partner in the AU Commission’s quest for science-based agricultural transformation in Africa.
Dr. Rijsberman stated that “through better alignment with CAADP, CGIAR can help ensure that we are providing the right science for real impact on the ground.” He also noted that more than 50% of CGIAR funding goes towards projects on the African continent, and that “more effective research-to-practice alignment is a fundamental pillar of CGIAR’s work.”
Description: IMG_0333The MoU signed today calls for joint actions to guide implementation of alignment of programs and support activities for CAADP, including: a research alignment plan that coordinates research programs with CAADP National Investment Plans; a Science and Technology Agenda for African Agriculture; a joint plan to support regional and sub-regional research activities; the development of joint African and CGIAR technology platforms; technical support; and joint sharing of information and knowledge.
The AUC, through the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA), has been implementing CAADP, which addresses policy and capacity issues across the entire agricultural sector and African continent. CAADP is entirely African-led and African-owned and represents African leaders' collective vision for agriculture in Africa. This ambitious and comprehensive vision for agricultural reform in Africa aims for an average annual growth rate of 6 percent in agriculture by 2015.
CGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for development that includes 15 of the world’s leading agriculture research centers and leads 16 comprehensive global agricultural research programs. Its goals are to conduct research that contributes to reduced poverty, improved food security, improved nutrition and health, and sustainable management of natural resources.
The MoU describes a strategic partnership under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) of the AUC and CGIAR Consortium to facilitate, “enhanced coordination, collaboration, and alignment between CGIAR Consortium members and initiatives and those of African agricultural research and development organizations at the country, sub-regional, and continental levels with regard to their respective priorities, objectives, and programs for increased agricultural productivity in Africa.”
In her welcome remarks during the signing ceremony, held at the AUC Headquarters, H.E. Tumusiime stated that, “The signing of this MoU with CGIAR Consortium has a special significance, for it comes at a time when global attention has focused on Africa’s resolve to shoulder its responsibilities of making hunger and destitution history.” She further stated that, “The AUC recognizes that feeding Africa’s population and enabling agriculture play a critical economic transformation role in much of Africa needs to be supported by tried and tested technologies and home-grown policy initiatives.”
Mrs. Tumusiime also expressed her confidence that the CGIAR Consortium would prove to be a significant partner in the AU Commission’s quest for science-based agricultural transformation in Africa.
Dr. Rijsberman stated that “through better alignment with CAADP, CGIAR can help ensure that we are providing the right science for real impact on the ground.” He also noted that more than 50% of CGIAR funding goes towards projects on the African continent, and that “more effective research-to-practice alignment is a fundamental pillar of CGIAR’s work.”
Description: IMG_0333The MoU signed today calls for joint actions to guide implementation of alignment of programs and support activities for CAADP, including: a research alignment plan that coordinates research programs with CAADP National Investment Plans; a Science and Technology Agenda for African Agriculture; a joint plan to support regional and sub-regional research activities; the development of joint African and CGIAR technology platforms; technical support; and joint sharing of information and knowledge.
The AUC, through the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA), has been implementing CAADP, which addresses policy and capacity issues across the entire agricultural sector and African continent. CAADP is entirely African-led and African-owned and represents African leaders' collective vision for agriculture in Africa. This ambitious and comprehensive vision for agricultural reform in Africa aims for an average annual growth rate of 6 percent in agriculture by 2015.
CGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for development that includes 15 of the world’s leading agriculture research centers and leads 16 comprehensive global agricultural research programs. Its goals are to conduct research that contributes to reduced poverty, improved food security, improved nutrition and health, and sustainable management of natural resources.
Monday, January 14, 2013
THE RIGHT TO ASSEMBLE AND HOLD DEMONSTRATIONS PEACEFULLY AND UNARMED: LOOKING AHEAD TO THE PLANNED 17TH JANUARY 2013, AND LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE 20TH JULY, 2011, DEMONSTRATIONS
PRESS RELEASE
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (the Commission), established by section 129 of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi (the Constitution), with the mandate of the promotion and protection of human rights, has noted with interest the developments surrounding the issue of the right to assemble and hold demonstrations peacefully and unarmed.
The Commission observes that the emerging developments to some extent replicate the trends that led to the disastrous consequences of the 20th July, 2011 demonstrations.
In particular, the Commission has noted with concern that relevant duty bearers including some public officials and some political players have made statements that display lack of respect for the right.
The Commission further notes several issues relating to the organisation and planning of the intended 17th January 2013 demonstrations, which have negative implications on the effective preparedness on the part of all concerned parties where the conduct of peaceful demonstrations is concerned.
This has provided the impetus for the Commission to address the issue at hand in terms of the scope, relevance, significance and implications of the right, and particularly call upon concerned duty bearers to play their rightful roles ahead of the planned 17th January, 2013 demonstrations.
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (the Commission), established by section 129 of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi (the Constitution), with the mandate of the promotion and protection of human rights, has noted with interest the developments surrounding the issue of the right to assemble and hold demonstrations peacefully and unarmed.
The Commission observes that the emerging developments to some extent replicate the trends that led to the disastrous consequences of the 20th July, 2011 demonstrations.
In particular, the Commission has noted with concern that relevant duty bearers including some public officials and some political players have made statements that display lack of respect for the right.
The Commission further notes several issues relating to the organisation and planning of the intended 17th January 2013 demonstrations, which have negative implications on the effective preparedness on the part of all concerned parties where the conduct of peaceful demonstrations is concerned.
This has provided the impetus for the Commission to address the issue at hand in terms of the scope, relevance, significance and implications of the right, and particularly call upon concerned duty bearers to play their rightful roles ahead of the planned 17th January, 2013 demonstrations.
Meeting of the Heads of the African Union Commission, the Economic Commission for Africa and the African Development Bank Group Addis Ababa, New AU Conference Center, 11-12 January 2013
COMMUNIQUE
WE, Dr Nkosana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr Carlos Lopes, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and Dr Donald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 11 and 12 January 2013.
MINDFUL of the roles and responsibilities of our institutions for Africa’s development, and the need to coordinate our activities in setting the agenda to support Africa’s socio-economic transformation as we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the OAU/AU in May 2013:
WE SEIZE the opportunity presented to us to reaffirm the spirit of Pan Africanism and African solidarity, which inspired the political evolution of the continent in the last 50 years, and is now critical for realizing Africa’s socio-economic transformation.
RECOGNIZING the progress the continent has made in several areas, including peace and security, good governance, economic growth, regional integration and attracting investments, we reflected on the key challenges, opportunities and priorities facing Africa going forward, drawing on the experience of the last 50 years.
WE WELCOME the continent’s resilience in the face of the recent global financial and economic crises but commit to further action with all relevant stakeholders to enhance Africa’s economic independence, reduce vulnerability and diversify its relations within the global economy.
WE NOTE that Africa’s economic growth needs to focus on equity, inclusiveness, the preservation of natural capital and creation of decent jobs, especially for the youth and women.
WE FIRMLY BELIEVE the time is ripe for a paradigm shift and a change in mindset towards realizing the vision of a continent that is integrated, prosperous and peaceful, and a dynamic force in the global arena.
WE EMPHASIZE that Africa’s challenge is economic transformation, whose agenda should be led by Africans. To achieve this objective, we commit to explore all avenues for mobilizing sources of finance, including tapping into Africa’s own resources and global financial opportunities.
WE ACKNOWLEDGE that external partners have contributed to Africa’s progress through instruments such as the African Development Fund (ADF) to which we remain committed. We will actively explore Africa’s participation in these financial mechanisms.
To support the vision of Africa’s leaders to transform the continent over the next 50 years, WE REAFFIRM the commitment by the three pan-African institutions to collaborate closely with Regional Economic Communities and other partners to foster the agenda of an integrated and prosperous continent.
WE HAVE AGREED to engage with Africa’s leaders and peoples in articulating and preparing such an African led transformation agenda for the next 50 years. We shall pursue this discussion in the upcoming African Union meetings and through consultations with Regional Economic Communities, Partners and other stakeholders to realize the vision of the African Renaissance.
WE, Dr Nkosana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr Carlos Lopes, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and Dr Donald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 11 and 12 January 2013.
MINDFUL of the roles and responsibilities of our institutions for Africa’s development, and the need to coordinate our activities in setting the agenda to support Africa’s socio-economic transformation as we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the OAU/AU in May 2013:
WE SEIZE the opportunity presented to us to reaffirm the spirit of Pan Africanism and African solidarity, which inspired the political evolution of the continent in the last 50 years, and is now critical for realizing Africa’s socio-economic transformation.
RECOGNIZING the progress the continent has made in several areas, including peace and security, good governance, economic growth, regional integration and attracting investments, we reflected on the key challenges, opportunities and priorities facing Africa going forward, drawing on the experience of the last 50 years.
WE WELCOME the continent’s resilience in the face of the recent global financial and economic crises but commit to further action with all relevant stakeholders to enhance Africa’s economic independence, reduce vulnerability and diversify its relations within the global economy.
WE NOTE that Africa’s economic growth needs to focus on equity, inclusiveness, the preservation of natural capital and creation of decent jobs, especially for the youth and women.
WE FIRMLY BELIEVE the time is ripe for a paradigm shift and a change in mindset towards realizing the vision of a continent that is integrated, prosperous and peaceful, and a dynamic force in the global arena.
WE EMPHASIZE that Africa’s challenge is economic transformation, whose agenda should be led by Africans. To achieve this objective, we commit to explore all avenues for mobilizing sources of finance, including tapping into Africa’s own resources and global financial opportunities.
WE ACKNOWLEDGE that external partners have contributed to Africa’s progress through instruments such as the African Development Fund (ADF) to which we remain committed. We will actively explore Africa’s participation in these financial mechanisms.
To support the vision of Africa’s leaders to transform the continent over the next 50 years, WE REAFFIRM the commitment by the three pan-African institutions to collaborate closely with Regional Economic Communities and other partners to foster the agenda of an integrated and prosperous continent.
WE HAVE AGREED to engage with Africa’s leaders and peoples in articulating and preparing such an African led transformation agenda for the next 50 years. We shall pursue this discussion in the upcoming African Union meetings and through consultations with Regional Economic Communities, Partners and other stakeholders to realize the vision of the African Renaissance.
AUC/AfDB/ECA PRINCIPALS AGREE TO PUSH THE DEVELOMENT AGENDA OF AFRICA FORWARD FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS
Addis Ababa, 11 January 2013 - Where and how do we get to that prosperous Africa by 2063, and what will be the different roles of AUC, ECA and AfDB 50 years from now? The question and other related issues were on the agenda of a two-day high level discussion co-chaired, today Friday, 11 January 2013, by the Chairperson of African Union Commission (AUC), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, the Executive Secretary of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Dr. Carlos Lopes and the President of African Development Bank (AfDB) Dr. Donald Kaberuka, at the headquarters of the African Union, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
IMG_0301The joint meeting was dedicated to the African vision 2063, including key challenges, strategic issues and priorities facing Africa over the next 50 years, and how to find effective means of addressing them, in a bid to enhance the institutional links and coordination between the three organizations in support of the implementation of continental programmes, projects and initiatives.
“It gives us a good point to just step back, and reflect on where Africa should be going in the next 50 years” said Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. She added that, “it'll be great for the future generations to find themselves 50 years from now in a prosperous Africa at peace with itself, an Africa that will have an important voice in the global affairs”.
Highlighting the objective of this high level discussion, the AUC Chairperson said “there is a lot of work that needs to be done, that is why it is important that we define how we can work to implement our action plan using our different but complimentary mandates”. She emphasized that the three organisations are building on their traditional relationship which “needs to be strengthened … we must ensure that we put in place a strong mechanisms that will coordinate our actions to enable us regularly brief our Leaders in the Continent with one voice”.
Dr. Donald Kaberuka called in line with the celebration of the half century of African unity, for a reflection on “what Africa has achieved so far and what it could have done differently so that the continent can take a different path going forward”. “This is the beginning of that kind of reflection which is sober and realistic, which asks the right and critical Question to say here is what went wrong, here is what we can do differently and here is our contribution”, stressed the President of AfDB.
“The mainstream thinking now is that Africa is different and we could get it right if we want. The choice is fully ours, and it’s now time for us to define what we want” said president Kaberuka.
Dr. Carlos Lopes stressed on the importance of the joint meeting during a year when Africa is commemorating 50 years of Pan-African history, highlighting the need for the three institutions to work together for the sake of the Continent. “We need to have the African Agenda as our priority and to adhere to it”, said the Executive Secretary of the ECA.
We have to engage in a very serious way to ensure that our Development Agenda is a transformative Agenda and is something that will give credit so that the Continent can take charge of its own affairs. This is the reason why these three Institutions have to coordinate their efforts and work together”, noted Dr. Lopes.
The three Chief Executive Officers will adopt a communiqué at the end of the two days meeting, tomorrow 12 January.
HMC/ETA
IMG_0301The joint meeting was dedicated to the African vision 2063, including key challenges, strategic issues and priorities facing Africa over the next 50 years, and how to find effective means of addressing them, in a bid to enhance the institutional links and coordination between the three organizations in support of the implementation of continental programmes, projects and initiatives.
“It gives us a good point to just step back, and reflect on where Africa should be going in the next 50 years” said Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. She added that, “it'll be great for the future generations to find themselves 50 years from now in a prosperous Africa at peace with itself, an Africa that will have an important voice in the global affairs”.
Highlighting the objective of this high level discussion, the AUC Chairperson said “there is a lot of work that needs to be done, that is why it is important that we define how we can work to implement our action plan using our different but complimentary mandates”. She emphasized that the three organisations are building on their traditional relationship which “needs to be strengthened … we must ensure that we put in place a strong mechanisms that will coordinate our actions to enable us regularly brief our Leaders in the Continent with one voice”.
Dr. Donald Kaberuka called in line with the celebration of the half century of African unity, for a reflection on “what Africa has achieved so far and what it could have done differently so that the continent can take a different path going forward”. “This is the beginning of that kind of reflection which is sober and realistic, which asks the right and critical Question to say here is what went wrong, here is what we can do differently and here is our contribution”, stressed the President of AfDB.
“The mainstream thinking now is that Africa is different and we could get it right if we want. The choice is fully ours, and it’s now time for us to define what we want” said president Kaberuka.
Dr. Carlos Lopes stressed on the importance of the joint meeting during a year when Africa is commemorating 50 years of Pan-African history, highlighting the need for the three institutions to work together for the sake of the Continent. “We need to have the African Agenda as our priority and to adhere to it”, said the Executive Secretary of the ECA.
We have to engage in a very serious way to ensure that our Development Agenda is a transformative Agenda and is something that will give credit so that the Continent can take charge of its own affairs. This is the reason why these three Institutions have to coordinate their efforts and work together”, noted Dr. Lopes.
The three Chief Executive Officers will adopt a communiqué at the end of the two days meeting, tomorrow 12 January.
HMC/ETA
THE RIGHT TO ASSEMBLE AND HOLD DEMONSTRATIONS PEACEFULLY AND UNARMED: LOOKING AHEAD TO THE PLANNED 17TH JANUARY 2013, AND LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE 20TH JULY, 2011, DEMONSTRATIONS
PRESS RELEASE
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (the Commission), established by section 129 of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi (the Constitution), with the mandate of the promotion and protection of human rights, has noted with interest the developments surrounding the issue of the right to assemble and hold demonstrations peacefully and unarmed.
The Commission observes that the emerging developments to some extent replicate the trends that led to the disastrous consequences of the 20th July, 2011 demonstrations.
In particular, the Commission has noted with concern that relevant duty bearers, including some public officials and some political players, have made statements that display lack of respect for the right.
The Commission further notes several issues relating to the organisation and planning of the intended 17th January 2013 demonstrations, which have negative implications on the effective preparedness on the part of all concerned parties, where the conduct of peaceful demonstrations is concerned.
This has provided the impetus for the Commission to address the issue at hand in terms of the scope, relevance, significance and implications of the right, and particularly call upon concerned duty bearers to play their rightful roles ahead of the planned 17th January, 2013 demonstrations.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Visit Africa Research Institute's Policy Voices to Learn More About Law Reform in Malawi
As chief law reform officer at the Malawi Law Commission, Dr Janet Chikaya-Banda oversaw a two-year constitutional review programme in 2004-6. In her timely account, she explains the importance of continuous, systematic law reform in young democracies and the role that it can play in upholding the credibility and effectiveness of the judiciary. She highlights impediments to the pursuit of democratic ideals articulated in the Malawi Constitution, the consequences of weak institutional commitment to law reform, and the vulnerability of the law in the face of a very powerful presidency. In her foremost recommendation, Dr Chikaya-Banda calls on the new government in Malawi to “move things on” by implementing - or at least debating openly - the recommendations of the constitutional review.
2012 Elections Review: Africa Research Institute Compares Elections in Sierra Leone and Ghana
Multi-party elections were a prominent feature of Africa’s political landscape in 2012, with twenty-three countries conducting polls – whether presidential, legislative or municipal. News coverage in the mainstream media has, at times, been framed in clichés and stereotypes. On the eve of the Sierra Leonean elections, the BBC published an article which opened: “Sierra Leone may be about to prove it has grown up”. The preoccupation is often with little more than who is likely to win and whether there will be violence. Rapid and diverse political transitions taking place across the continent are seldom reflected upon in any depth.
I have a longstanding interest in the politics of Sierra Leone, and so followed the elections on 17th November 2012 closely – albeit from a distance. I found a number of striking similarities with the polls in Ghana, which took place a few weeks later on 7-8th December, particularly interesting.
Both incumbent presidents secured enough support in the first round of voting to be declared outright winners. President Ernest Bai Koroma in Sierra Leone was returned to power with 58.7% of the vote. Opposition candidate Julius Maada Bio received endorsement from only 37.4% of the population. In Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama claimed 50.7% of the electorate, defeating his rival Nana Akufo-Addo by 325,863 votes.
The main opposition parties challenged the credibility of the electoral process. The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) denounced the results as fraudulent, citing “systematic and widespread irregularities, malpractices and injustices that occurred on polling day”, and called on its Members of Parliament and local government to boycott all proceedings. The instruction was subsequently revoked after talks with President Koroma and his All People’s Congress (APC). In Ghana, the opposition National Patriotic Party (NPP) refused to accept the outcome and has taken its complaints to the Supreme Court, but pledged to accept its verdict. If the NPP is able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that at least 150,000 votes were falsely attributed to the President Mahama they will be able to call for a re-run of the election, as the incumbent would not have received the necessary 50% of the popular vote in the first round.
Challenging the result of an election is a regular occurrence in Africa. Grievances are often legitimate, but it is how politicians articulate their concerns that is of paramount importance. In Sierra Leone, neither the APC nor SLPP resorted excessively to old tactics of mobilising party youth wings to intimidate rival supporters. Evidence of electoral fraud and malfeasance presented to the National Electoral Commission (NEC) by the SLPP was passed on to the police. In Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo called on his followers to “avoid any kind of violent behaviour, and wait patiently for the decision of the court”. The imperative in the coming months is for relevant institutions in both countries to take objections levelled at the electoral process seriously, and make appropriate rulings.
It is crucial that electoral disputes are dealt with in a timely fashion. The Supreme Court in Sierra Leone took four and a half years to rule on a case initiated by the SLPP which accused the NEC of unlawfully annulling votes from 477 polling stations in the 2007 presidential elections. In the event, the court decided not to adjudicate, claiming that any judgement would be impossible to enforce retrospectively. If grievances are not addressed promptly, candidates or political parties might choose to bypass the law and institutions to achieve their political ends the next time round. In the meantime, both the electoral commission and judiciary are undermined.
Turnout was extremely high. In Sierra Leone, 87.3% of the registered population voted, up from 76% in 2007. In Ghana, 80% of voters cast their ballot, compared with about 67% in 2008. The desire to participate in elections in both countries, despite the fact that it has seemingly delivered few tangible benefits to most citizens, is conspicuous.
At a recent Royal African Society event in London, former British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Peter Penfold, recalled the months of civil disobedience that occurred in Freetown shortly after the 1997 Armed Forces Revolutionary Council coup which deposed the elected government of Ahmad Tejan Kabbah. Businesses, banks, schools and colleges closed as ordinary people sacrificed their livelihoods at immense personal cost in protest at having their democratic rights so blatantly violated. High turnout in the 2012 elections is evidence of Sierra Leoneans’ enduring zeal for democracy.
A preliminary look at the final election results, by region, highlights some interesting developments. In Sierra Leone – where politics is divided along regional and ethnic lines – the APC made significant inroads into traditional SLPP strongholds. For example, in the southern state of Kailahun, the APC secured 22.6%, up from 5% in 2007; in Pujehun, 15.5% from 3% in 2007; and in Bo, 16.7% from 10% in 2007. It remains to be seen whether this is a sign that the predominance of regional and ethnic voting is being eroded or simply a result of more tactical sharing of political and economic largesse by the APC. Such voting patterns would have been highly unlikely in the 2007 elections.
A piece on Africa is a Country noted that in Ghana, election results from numerous constituencies appeared inconsistent. It was common for individual voters to support different parties in the parliamentary and presidential ballots. It is also interesting to note that in six of the 10 regions, votes cast for the presidential candidates were within a 10% margin and the result could well have gone either way.
The standing of the electoral management bodies in both countries was further enhanced by the considered use of technology. In Sierra Leone, the National Electoral Commission chose to capture thumb prints, along with photographs, during the registration process. The biometric data was recorded electronically and then collated to filter out any duplicates. Only after this process were voter identification cards issued. Ghana also adopted a biometric system, with two differences. Firstly, all ten fingers were scanned which increased the chances of identifying multiple registrations. Secondly, on polling day, people had their fingers taken again as an additional precaution against multiple voting. Concerted efforts were made by both electoral commissions to ensure the impartial conduct of temporary election workers.
Information technology was also skilfully and imaginatively deployed when covering, and monitoring, the polls. Dedicated election websites were established by civil society groups. In Sierra Leone, Salonevotes.com displayed live results from polling stations plotted on a map as they were released. The website also details a vast amount of other information, including voter demographics, turnout and any procedural disputes that arose. Ghanadecides.com is an initiative by bloggers and civil society to provide information to the public about the electoral process through social media, including educational videos on registration and voting procedures, news and events. A breakdown of results is available through VoteKast Ghana.
Sierra Leone and Ghana are seldom mentioned in the same breath when it comes to elections. The former is typically depicted as a fragile state recovering from a decade-long civil war, while the latter as one of Africa’s most stable democracies conducting its sixth consecutive electoral cycle. But the conduct of elections in both countries have much in common – notably a commitment to accession to power through the ballot box, avoidance of violence, the use of technology to mitigate fraud, and a prominent monitoring role for civil society. Although ethnic and regional allegiances are still important, the ways in which these play out might be shifting.
These are trends that can be identified across the African continent to varying degrees, and which should render comments about how any country has “grown up” rather irrelevant – and not a little patronising.
Jonathan Bhalla
Research Manager
I have a longstanding interest in the politics of Sierra Leone, and so followed the elections on 17th November 2012 closely – albeit from a distance. I found a number of striking similarities with the polls in Ghana, which took place a few weeks later on 7-8th December, particularly interesting.
Both incumbent presidents secured enough support in the first round of voting to be declared outright winners. President Ernest Bai Koroma in Sierra Leone was returned to power with 58.7% of the vote. Opposition candidate Julius Maada Bio received endorsement from only 37.4% of the population. In Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama claimed 50.7% of the electorate, defeating his rival Nana Akufo-Addo by 325,863 votes.
The main opposition parties challenged the credibility of the electoral process. The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) denounced the results as fraudulent, citing “systematic and widespread irregularities, malpractices and injustices that occurred on polling day”, and called on its Members of Parliament and local government to boycott all proceedings. The instruction was subsequently revoked after talks with President Koroma and his All People’s Congress (APC). In Ghana, the opposition National Patriotic Party (NPP) refused to accept the outcome and has taken its complaints to the Supreme Court, but pledged to accept its verdict. If the NPP is able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that at least 150,000 votes were falsely attributed to the President Mahama they will be able to call for a re-run of the election, as the incumbent would not have received the necessary 50% of the popular vote in the first round.
Challenging the result of an election is a regular occurrence in Africa. Grievances are often legitimate, but it is how politicians articulate their concerns that is of paramount importance. In Sierra Leone, neither the APC nor SLPP resorted excessively to old tactics of mobilising party youth wings to intimidate rival supporters. Evidence of electoral fraud and malfeasance presented to the National Electoral Commission (NEC) by the SLPP was passed on to the police. In Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo called on his followers to “avoid any kind of violent behaviour, and wait patiently for the decision of the court”. The imperative in the coming months is for relevant institutions in both countries to take objections levelled at the electoral process seriously, and make appropriate rulings.
It is crucial that electoral disputes are dealt with in a timely fashion. The Supreme Court in Sierra Leone took four and a half years to rule on a case initiated by the SLPP which accused the NEC of unlawfully annulling votes from 477 polling stations in the 2007 presidential elections. In the event, the court decided not to adjudicate, claiming that any judgement would be impossible to enforce retrospectively. If grievances are not addressed promptly, candidates or political parties might choose to bypass the law and institutions to achieve their political ends the next time round. In the meantime, both the electoral commission and judiciary are undermined.
Turnout was extremely high. In Sierra Leone, 87.3% of the registered population voted, up from 76% in 2007. In Ghana, 80% of voters cast their ballot, compared with about 67% in 2008. The desire to participate in elections in both countries, despite the fact that it has seemingly delivered few tangible benefits to most citizens, is conspicuous.
At a recent Royal African Society event in London, former British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Peter Penfold, recalled the months of civil disobedience that occurred in Freetown shortly after the 1997 Armed Forces Revolutionary Council coup which deposed the elected government of Ahmad Tejan Kabbah. Businesses, banks, schools and colleges closed as ordinary people sacrificed their livelihoods at immense personal cost in protest at having their democratic rights so blatantly violated. High turnout in the 2012 elections is evidence of Sierra Leoneans’ enduring zeal for democracy.
A preliminary look at the final election results, by region, highlights some interesting developments. In Sierra Leone – where politics is divided along regional and ethnic lines – the APC made significant inroads into traditional SLPP strongholds. For example, in the southern state of Kailahun, the APC secured 22.6%, up from 5% in 2007; in Pujehun, 15.5% from 3% in 2007; and in Bo, 16.7% from 10% in 2007. It remains to be seen whether this is a sign that the predominance of regional and ethnic voting is being eroded or simply a result of more tactical sharing of political and economic largesse by the APC. Such voting patterns would have been highly unlikely in the 2007 elections.
A piece on Africa is a Country noted that in Ghana, election results from numerous constituencies appeared inconsistent. It was common for individual voters to support different parties in the parliamentary and presidential ballots. It is also interesting to note that in six of the 10 regions, votes cast for the presidential candidates were within a 10% margin and the result could well have gone either way.
The standing of the electoral management bodies in both countries was further enhanced by the considered use of technology. In Sierra Leone, the National Electoral Commission chose to capture thumb prints, along with photographs, during the registration process. The biometric data was recorded electronically and then collated to filter out any duplicates. Only after this process were voter identification cards issued. Ghana also adopted a biometric system, with two differences. Firstly, all ten fingers were scanned which increased the chances of identifying multiple registrations. Secondly, on polling day, people had their fingers taken again as an additional precaution against multiple voting. Concerted efforts were made by both electoral commissions to ensure the impartial conduct of temporary election workers.
Information technology was also skilfully and imaginatively deployed when covering, and monitoring, the polls. Dedicated election websites were established by civil society groups. In Sierra Leone, Salonevotes.com displayed live results from polling stations plotted on a map as they were released. The website also details a vast amount of other information, including voter demographics, turnout and any procedural disputes that arose. Ghanadecides.com is an initiative by bloggers and civil society to provide information to the public about the electoral process through social media, including educational videos on registration and voting procedures, news and events. A breakdown of results is available through VoteKast Ghana.
Sierra Leone and Ghana are seldom mentioned in the same breath when it comes to elections. The former is typically depicted as a fragile state recovering from a decade-long civil war, while the latter as one of Africa’s most stable democracies conducting its sixth consecutive electoral cycle. But the conduct of elections in both countries have much in common – notably a commitment to accession to power through the ballot box, avoidance of violence, the use of technology to mitigate fraud, and a prominent monitoring role for civil society. Although ethnic and regional allegiances are still important, the ways in which these play out might be shifting.
These are trends that can be identified across the African continent to varying degrees, and which should render comments about how any country has “grown up” rather irrelevant – and not a little patronising.
Jonathan Bhalla
Research Manager
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