Comrade Edwards Kambanje denounces MACRA’s surveillance device expenditure

By Burnett Munthali

Comrade Edwards Kambanje, representing The Concerned Citizens of Malawi, has thrown his weight behind the statement issued by the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, strongly criticizing the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) over its controversial decision to spend USD 1.5 million (over MWK 3 billion) on a surveillance device. This expenditure, at a time when Malawi is grappling with a failing economy, has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders, civil society, and concerned citizens alike.

In his statement, Kambanje described MACRA’s procurement decision as a blatant misuse of public funds that undermines national priorities, threatens democracy, and disregards the suffering of ordinary Malawians. He laid out several key concerns that highlight the gravity of the situation.

Kambanje emphasized that the procurement reflects a failure of governance and a lack of sensitivity to the pressing challenges facing the country. Malawi is currently experiencing widespread hunger, high unemployment rates, and rampant inflation. Despite these crises, MACRA has opted to allocate an enormous sum toward a surveillance device instead of addressing fundamental needs such as health, education, and food security. Kambanje questioned the moral compass of decision-makers who would prioritize technological surveillance over the survival and well-being of Malawians.

While MACRA claims the surveillance device is intended to combat misinformation and promote digital literacy, Kambanje raised alarms about the potential erosion of democratic values and citizens’ rights. He argued that such technology could easily be abused to infringe upon the constitutional rights of privacy and freedom of expression. The device, he said, represents a step toward authoritarianism, where dissenting voices could be silenced under the guise of monitoring misinformation. Kambanje reminded the public that Malawi’s democracy was hard-won, and such measures threaten to undo decades of progress.

Kambanje also criticized the lack of transparency in the procurement process. He noted the absence of public consultation and proper oversight, which raises serious questions about the true motives behind the purchase. This secrecy undermines public trust and fuels suspicions of corruption and ulterior motives within MACRA and the government.

In response to this decision, Kambanje outlined a series of demands aimed at halting the procurement and holding MACRA accountable:

Firstly, Kambanje called for an immediate halt to the surveillance device’s procurement process until Parliament can fully evaluate its necessity and alignment with national priorities.

Secondly, he urged the Parliamentary Committee on Statutory Corporations to summon MACRA for an explanation of the device’s intended use, timing, and justification.

Thirdly, the Minister of Finance must publicly explain how such a significant expenditure aligns with Malawi’s broader fiscal and developmental goals, especially in the face of widespread economic hardship.

Fourthly, Kambanje called on the Malawi Human Rights Commission to investigate the implications of the surveillance device for citizens’ rights, particularly concerning privacy and freedom of expression.

Comrade Kambanje concluded his statement by urging the government to shift its focus to addressing the urgent needs of Malawians rather than pursuing divisive and potentially oppressive measures. He also called upon civil society organizations, the diplomatic community, and all defenders of democracy to join in rejecting this reckless expenditure.

Kambanje reaffirmed his commitment to defending Malawi’s democracy, protecting citizens’ rights, and ensuring that public resources are used to uplift the lives of Malawians. He reminded the nation that leadership is about prioritizing people over power and responding to the immediate needs of the citizenry.

The statement from Comrade Edwards Kambanje aligns with the broader position of the Opposition, which has vowed to scrutinize the government’s actions and hold it accountable. As Malawi heads toward critical political and economic crossroads, leaders like Kambanje are calling for a collective effort to defend democracy, ensure transparency, and advocate for the responsible use of public resources.

Kambanje’s voice joins a growing chorus of opposition to MACRA’s surveillance device, with citizens and leaders alike demanding that the government refocus its priorities on alleviating the struggles of the Malawian people rather than investing in tools that threaten democracy and deepen public mistrust.