President Chakwera strong stand on US Government excites human rights activist Undule Mwakasungula

Governance and Human Rights Advocate Undule Mwakasungula has applauded President Dr Lazarus Chakwera’s strong stance against the US sanctions on Malawian officials.

Mwakasungula says the US ban will create personal and professional hardships and it has the potential dampening effect on foreign Investment as well as collaboration.

Mwakasungula feels that if Malawi will be perceived as a corrupt environment due to the US action, foreign and expertise might be deterred hindering economic progress.

He expressed this through a press statement released on Monday 22nd April, 2024.

This is coming after US government issued a ban on four Malawian officials among others including former Anti-Corruption Bureau boss Renerck Matemba and their spouses.

Mwakasungula is therefore standing on the President sentiments that the sanctions might undermine Malawi’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts hence it was important for the US to take different approach.

He added that the President emphasized on the fundamental principle of law, the accused being innocent until proven guilty and that the sanctions by restricting their movements could seen as pre-judging the legal process.

The statement also said that US and other partners should remember Malawi like any other nation, has the right to govern itself including handling corruption investigation and prosecutions independently and that external intervention such as through sanctions or travel ban could be perceived as infringement on Malawi’s sovereignty and a challenge to the autonomy of its legal system.

“The timing and manner of US sanctions might as we raise further question. The timing of the sanctions, coinciding with the ongoing Malawian investigation might fuel perception of the interference,” Part of the statement said.

The statement therefore says the President’s response indicates balance between international cooperation and national sovereignty in the fight against corruption and it is important for US and Malawi government to encourage open communication to understand explorer more collaborative efforts in addressing corruption.