Malawi’s Fight Against Corruption: Asset Recovery and Expropriation of Illicit Wealth
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Lilongwe, Malawi - In an effort to combat corruption, the government of Malawi is considering integrating asset recovery and expropriation of illicit wealth into all forms of disciplinary and court proceedings against corrupt officials.
Policy Foundations
According to experts, this practice should be founded on policy and established through a new National Economic Crime Strategy that would provide a structure for policy-making and a whole system response. This would include a multi-agency asset-tracing and recovery scheme.
Challenges
Limited Budget Resources
Malawi’s limited budget resources make it challenging to ensure an equitable distribution of resources among all government functions. It is crucial that law enforcement agencies have sufficient funding to support high-level corruption investigations and prosecutions.
Institutional Architecture
The institution responsible for ensuring the integrity of law enforcement agencies is the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). However, resources are limited, and it is essential that the ACB has adequate funding to conduct thorough investigations and prosecutions.
Inter-Agency Cooperation
It is recommended that the DPP, ACB, FIA, and Malawi Police Service work together in integrated teams for investigations and prosecutions of high-level financial crimes and corruption. This would involve sharing resources, expertise, and information to ensure a comprehensive approach to tackling corruption.
Political Influence
To ensure the independence of law enforcement agencies, it is essential that officials are appointed based on merit, performance, and potential. The government should also establish robust vetting procedures and rules for nominations and appointments.
International Development Partners
Well-intentioned interventions by foreign development partners can undermine the cohesion of the government apparatus and fuel inter-agency rivalries. It is crucial that international development partners coordinate their input with each other and the government of Malawi to avoid any negative consequences.
Free Press, Media, and Civil Society
A free press, media, and civil society are essential to the successful campaign against high-level corruption. Law enforcement agencies and international development partners should support and engage with these pillars of open public debate.
Research Team Members
The research team members involved in this study include:
- Gerhard Anders, Associate Professor at the Centre of African Studies, University of Edinburgh
- Matthew Page, Associate Fellow, Chatham House
- Nick Staite, Solicitor-Advocate England and Wales
The research is funded by the Global Integrity-FCDO Anti-Corruption Evidence Program (2019-2021).
Conclusion
The fight against corruption in Malawi requires a comprehensive approach that involves asset recovery and expropriation of illicit wealth, inter-agency cooperation, political influence, international development partners, and free press, media, and civil society. By working together, we can create a more transparent and accountable system that serves the people of Malawi.