By Mercy Matonga:
The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) has lamented that the justice system in the country is not functioning properly.
This has been said in a letter written by the church’s leadership addressed to its members.
The letter, which has been signed by leaders from all synods, led by Moderator of the CCAP General Assembly Reverend Biswick Nkhoma, was read in all CCAP churches across the country.
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“While we thank the State President for increasing the number of people working in the Judiciary, there are more delays in handling the cases that need urgent justice. Lately, there have been cases of corruption in the Judiciary, a worrisome thing,” the letter reads.
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It also says church leaders are disappointed that corruption cases go unabated, despite the current administration’s earlier promises to combat it after winning the June 23, 2020 court-ordered presidential election.
“When the current government came into power, [it] promised to end corruption in Malawi,” the letter reads.
The letter further says even though there are global economic challenges, Malawians are facing serious economic hardships due to lack of sound policies to attract foreign investment.
“Malawians are groaning, and life has become rough. While we appreciate that there is an economic outcry worldwide, there are some issues that need to be addressed in the way our government runs its economy,” the letter reads.
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As political campaigning begins in preparation for the September 16, 2025 Local Government, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections, the church has urged political parties to form coalitions that would serve Malawians better.
“Our advice is that political parties should form alliances objectively. Malawians are not ready to be led by alliances formed by political parties whose leadership is greedy. Alliances must bring together leaders who have clean records and have the heart for Malawians and not their tribe, region or religion,” the letter reads.
The leaders have then commended the government for its efforts in distributing relief items to people during emergencies, but also advised members to avoid dishonest practices in such situations.
Speaking to The Daily Times, Nkhoma said the church believes that its members are in every department and that, as such, they have the capacity to make an impact on the leadership.
“We are calling on all our members in critical positions to make a difference and desist from any corruption practices and bring change for the benefit of the country,” Nkhoma said.
Responding to what the clergy has raised, government spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu said the government respects the church and that the current leadership has put in place measures to end corruption.
“This government has given the graft-bursting body [Anti-Corruption Bureau] powers to deal with corruption cases, which was not the case previously. The President [Lazarus Chakwera] has made sure of its independence.
“However, on the [issue of] delayed justice, it is the courts responsibility,” Kunkuyu said.
He added that, moving forward, the government would intensify the implementation of the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) Strategy, which the government believes would help improve the country’s economy and even ensure forex availability.
Reacting to the letter, National Advocacy Platform & Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said despite the letter mentioning issues that have been raised many times, it was good that the church had also focused on members rather than government.
“We always criticise the government, forgetting that people in the government belong to the church. While the government has its role, people in government, who are also members of the church, need to be reminded about their role,” Kondowe said.
