By Suleman Chitera
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has come under heavy criticism following its public stance condemning government arrests of opposition leaders accused of looting public resources, with critics now branding the organisation an agent of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
In recent statements, HRDC blamed the government for what it termed as “selective justice” and “political persecution” after law enforcement agencies arrested several opposition figures linked to alleged abuse and plunder of public funds. However, many Malawians argue that HRDC’s position deliberately ignores the core issue: accountability for the looting of national resources.
Critics say HRDC has shifted from being a neutral civil society watchdog to a politically aligned pressure group that consistently echoes MCP talking points. They argue that whenever opposition leaders are arrested on corruption-related charges, HRDC is quick to cry foul, yet remains silent or muted when similar or worse allegations are levelled against individuals linked to the ruling party.
“What HRDC is doing is not human rights defence, it is political activism in favour of MCP,” said one governance analyst. “Human rights should not be used as a shield for suspected thieves of public resources. Arrest is not conviction, but neither is political affiliation immunity.”
Public anger has been fuelled by the reality that Malawi continues to struggle with shortages of essential medicines, hunger, youth unemployment, and failing public services—problems many citizens directly link to years of systemic looting by political elites across party lines. For ordinary Malawians, the arrest of suspects accused of stealing public funds is long overdue, not an abuse of rights.
Observers note that HRDC rose to prominence by mobilising against the previous administration, a move widely praised at the time. However, its current posture has raised questions about consistency and credibility. “You cannot claim to defend the poor while defending those accused of stealing from the poor,” another commentator said.
Calls are now growing for HRDC to re-examine its mandate and return to genuine, non-partisan human rights advocacy. Many Malawians insist that fighting corruption is itself a human rights issue, as looted resources translate into suffering, poverty, and lost opportunities for millions.
As arrests and investigations continue, the public message from citizens is clear: no organisation should stand in the way of accountability. Whether HRDC will regain public trust or remain entangled in accusations of political alignment with MCP remains to be seen.
