By Suleman Chitera

Social commentators have described the recent statement by the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) calling for urgent government intervention in the ongoing fuel, water and electricity crises as “hypocritical” and politically motivated.

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In the statement released earlier this week, HRDC urged authorities to act swiftly to restore stability and address the pressing challenges affecting households and businesses across the country.

However, the Executive Director for the Leadership Institute for Transparency and Accountability (LITA), Goodwell Logeya, questioned the legitimacy and sincerity of HRDC’s renewed activism.

Logeya argued that HRDC remained silent over the past five years, at a time when key governance, economic and service delivery indicators deteriorated under the previous administration. According to him, this silence was strategic and politically aligned.

“HRDC kept quiet when governance and accountability were at their worst. They publicly sided with political actors whose own failures created the situation we are facing today,” Logeya said.
“Their attempt to shift blame onto the new administration — after being part of the problem — is hypocrisy of the highest order.”

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LITA has called on HRDC to reflect on its past role and take responsibility for contributing to a politicized advocacy environment. The institution emphasized that civic groups should prioritize national interest over partisan alliances.

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Logeya stressed the importance of restoring integrity, independence and consistency in civil society activism.

“If HRDC is serious about defending human rights and promoting transparency, it must return to non-partisan advocacy and distance itself from political manipulation,” he added.

Public Reaction

The debate has sparked mixed reactions among Malawians. Some agree that HRDC’s timing raises questions, while others believe that regardless of past associations, public pressure is necessary to force action on the current crises.

Conclusion

As Malawi grapples with widespread shortages and service disruptions, the public discourse is increasingly focusing not only on government performance but also on the credibility and accountability of civil society organizations. Whether HRDC will respond to the accusations or adjust its approach remains to be seen.