The National Anti-Corruption Alliance (NACA) has warned that Malawi is “at a crossroads” in its fight against corruption, citing disturbing trends of political interference, institutional paralysis, elite impunity, and rising threats to democracy.
In a statement, NACA Chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa laid bare the country’s worsening governance crisis, accusing state institutions of failing the Malawian people.
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“The silence and inaction of key institutions speak louder than any words. At a time when Malawians are calling for justice and accountability, what they are getting instead is delay, denial, and decay,” reads the statement.
Central to NACA’s concerns is the handling of the Zuneth Sattar corruption scandal, which has garnered international attention.
Sattar, a controversial businessman, has been formally charged in the United Kingdom with corruption-related offenses tied to procurement deals in Malawi.
While legal proceedings are underway abroad, many of the Malawian officials allegedly involved remain untouched by justice — with some still holding office or exercising public influence.
“It is unacceptable that while charges are progressing in a foreign court, some implicated individuals in Malawi continue to operate with impunity. We demand accountability — both political and legal — here at home,” reads the statement.
NACA has also raised alarm over the prolonged vacancy in the office of the Director General of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), warning that the leadership vacuum has paralyzed critical investigations and undermined public confidence in the institution.
According to Kaiyatsa, the failure to appoint a new ACB Director General, months after the position became vacant, has had a chilling effect on high-profile corruption cases involving politically exposed persons, saying delaying the appointment of the new ACB head may be a deliberate tactic to weaken the bureau and derail sensitive investigations.
Meanwhile, NACA has applauded a recent court ruling that compels Mulli Brothers Limited to repay over K3 billion to the government, a victory after years of impunity surrounding the politically connected conglomerate.
However, the Alliance warned that this legal success must be followed by actual enforcement. Without swift and transparent recovery of the funds, the ruling would be reduced to a hollow symbolic gesture.
