Civil society organisations (CSOs) have condemned alleged intimidation by some Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and Malawi Police Service personnel towards The Times Group and Platform for Investigative Journalism journalists Mercy Matonga and Gregory Gondwe, respectively, following revelations that government has signed a $19 million (approximately K32.3 billion) military equipment procurement deal with Zuneth Sattar.
On Monday, The Daily Times, a subsidiary of The Times Group, carried a story that government has entered into the deal with Sattar despite ongoing investigations and corruption cases around the United Kingdom (UK)-based businessperson.
Reacting to the issue, National Advocacy Platform (Nap), Human Rights Defenders Coalition, Youth and Society, Malawi Economic Justice Network and Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency have called on people from the two security entities to halt the alleged intimidation, arguing that such actions go against democracy.
“Such actions not only trample upon fundamental rights but also strike at the core of democracy. The Malawi Army and Malawi Police Service must champion citizens’ fundamental human rights, particularly freedom of expression. A thriving democracy hinges on an environment where individuals can voice concerns without fear of reprisals,” reads the statement, which Nap Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe has signed.
The CSOs have since called on President Lazarus Chakwera, as the Commander of the Army, to denounce plans to intimidate whistleblowers, further calling on him to address issues raised regarding government’s dealings with Sattar.
“Upholding transparency, accountability and the rule of law is not a choice but a mandate for the prosperity of our nation. Failure to heed this call not only jeopardises ongoing efforts to combat corruption but also threatens the very bedrock of Malawi’s democracy. Civil society stands unyielding, united and poised to take collective action to ensure justice, fairness and accountability triumph,” it reads.
Efforts to speak to Malawi Police Service spokesperson Peter Kalaya proved futile as he did not pick up our calls.
The deal in question seems to be a continuation of a contract between Sattar’s Malachite FTZ and MDF for the supply of 32 armoured personnel carriers, reference number MDF/DOL/ armoured personnel carriers 1/21/, worth $19,933,600.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau is on record to have suspended several contracts, including the said contract among Sattar’s companies, MDF and Malawi Police Service.
Commenting on the matter, government spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu said whistleblowers are appreciated for the role they play, which complements government’s efforts to expose, and bring to book, those suspected of being in the wrong.
“We do not condone any acts of intimidation towards whistleblowers as we believe they mean good for the country. The matter in question does not make specific mention of individuals or actual occurrences where certain individuals have threatened anybody. The ‘army’ or the ‘police’ are broad terms and anyone would agree that making mention of individuals or instances where the alleged intimidation took place would help us to respond accordingly,” he said.
