By Burnett Munthali
In a series of significant administrative decisions aimed at enhancing accountability and governance, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has signed three key executive orders that have far-reaching implications for Malawi’s public sector and anti-corruption efforts. The orders, which include the termination of a marine services concession agreement with Mota Engil, the rejection of a controversial request by former presidential guard Norman Chisale, and a directive on fertilizer procurement, highlight the president’s commitment to transparency and effective governance.
One of the most notable decisions made by President Chakwera is the immediate termination of the marine services concession agreement with Mota Engil, a prominent Portuguese construction and engineering company. The agreement, which had been in place for several years, had given Mota Engil control over Malawi’s marine transport services. However, following a review, the president has decided to terminate the agreement, with immediate effect, in favor of Malawi Lake Services (MLS), a state-owned entity responsible for managing lake transport services.
This move is seen as a significant shift towards reclaiming national control over vital services and infrastructure that were previously managed by foreign companies. The decision has been welcomed by some quarters of society, particularly those who believe that it will provide an opportunity for Malawi to develop its own capacity in managing lake transport, which is critical to the country’s economy, especially in the transport of goods and people around the lakeshore areas.
While the president’s decision aims to ensure greater control and efficiency, the move has also sparked concerns about the potential impact on foreign investments in the country. Some critics argue that the termination of such agreements without clear alternatives in place could send the wrong signal to international investors about the security of their investments in Malawi.
Another significant development came when President Chakwera rejected a written request by Norman Chisale, a former presidential guard under the administration of former President Peter Mutharika. Chisale had asked the president to issue an illegal order that would have led to the unfreezing of his assets and properties, which have been linked to alleged corruption and the embezzlement of state funds.
The assets in question are suspected to have been acquired through illicit means, including the diversion of public funds and resources during Chisale’s tenure. The request to have these frozen assets returned to him was viewed by many as a brazen attempt to undermine the country’s ongoing efforts to tackle corruption, and President Chakwera’s firm rejection of the request was seen as a strong statement in favor of the rule of law and anti-corruption measures.
In his response, President Chakwera emphasized that the government would not condone any attempt to reverse the hard-earned progress made in recovering stolen state funds. The rejection of Chisale’s request also sends a clear message to others involved in corruption that the current administration is committed to upholding the law and will not tolerate any actions that undermine the integrity of public office.
The case of Norman Chisale has been one of the most high-profile corruption scandals in recent years, with investigations revealing that he had been deeply involved in several illicit dealings. His request for the reversal of asset freezes was seen as a desperate attempt to regain control of assets that were suspected to have been illicitly obtained. However, with the president’s rejection, it appears that the government is doubling down on its efforts to hold those who have misappropriated public funds accountable.
The third executive order signed by President Chakwera addresses the controversial issue of fertilizer procurement in Malawi. The president has rejected proposals to engage in commercial procurement of fertilizers and instead directed that fertilizer be procured on a government-to-government (G2G) basis.
This decision aims to curb the inefficiencies and corruption that have plagued the procurement and distribution of fertilizers in Malawi, particularly within the framework of previous commercial deals. Over the years, fertilizer procurement has been marred by allegations of corruption, kickbacks, and mismanagement, leaving many farmers without access to affordable fertilizer during planting seasons.
By moving to a government-to-government procurement model, President Chakwera hopes to ensure greater transparency and fairness in the distribution process, which could help reduce costs and eliminate the role of intermediaries who have often inflated prices and siphoned off public funds. Additionally, the G2G model allows for more direct control over the quality and quantity of fertilizers being imported, ensuring that they meet the needs of local farmers.
This move is also in line with the president’s broader agenda to modernize Malawi’s agricultural sector and ensure that smallholder farmers, who make up the backbone of the country’s agriculture industry, have access to the inputs they need to increase production and improve food security.
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s signing of these three executive orders represents a bold step towards strengthening good governance and promoting accountability in Malawi. The termination of the Mota Engil concession agreement is a clear signal that the government intends to regain control over critical national services, while the rejection of Norman Chisale’s request sends a strong message to those who have benefitted from corruption that they will not be allowed to escape accountability.
Moreover, the move to a government-to-government model for fertilizer procurement could be a game-changer for Malawi’s agricultural sector, ensuring that resources are better utilized for the benefit of farmers and the nation at large.
As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of corruption, inefficiency, and economic instability, these executive orders provide a glimpse of the president’s commitment to ensuring that Malawi’s resources are managed more transparently and effectively. Whether these actions will translate into lasting reforms remains to be seen, but they are certainly a step in the right direction.
