By Burnett Munthali
Minister of Justice Titus Mvalo has stated that the government does not anticipate non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating as though they are opposition parties. Mvalo made these remarks in Lilongwe during the signing ceremony of the Lilongwe Civic Pact 2024, an initiative aimed at promoting human rights and fostering collaboration between the government and civil society.
The pact seeks to strengthen the rights of citizens and improve the relationship between the government and NGOs. Speaking at the event, Mvalo emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue, particularly when there are differing views between the two sides.
“It is crucial that whenever there are disagreements between the government and NGOs, both parties come together to engage in discussions,” Mvalo said. He highlighted the need for mutual respect and understanding to ensure that both sides work towards a common goal of national development.
He further stated that the government does not view its relationship with NGOs as adversarial, likening it to “a cat and mouse relationship.” Instead, Mvalo reiterated the government’s belief in building cooperative partnerships with civil society groups, ensuring they fulfill their roles without acting as political opponents.
The Lilongwe Civic Pact 2024 is expected to enhance civic engagement and encourage collaboration between stakeholders in governance, with a focus on advancing democracy and accountability in Malawi. The signing ceremony was attended by representatives of various NGOs, government officials, and members of the public, who lauded the initiative as a significant step forward in improving governance and citizen participation.
