Malawi Government Vows to Fight Corruption with New Financial Crime Court
Malawi’s Minister of Justice, Titus Mvalo, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating corruption and financial crimes in the country. The establishment of the Financial and Economic Crimes (FEC) Division of the High Court is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Importance of Speedy and Diligent Processing of Corruption Cases
According to Minister Mvalo, ensuring that corruption cases are processed with speed and diligence is crucial for a country committed to fighting corruption. He emphasized that “a country that is committed to deal with corruption must, among other measures, ensure corruption cases are processed with speed and diligence.”
Plans for Whistleblower Protection Law
The government plans to develop a law for protecting whistleblowers, which will complement the functions of the new court. Minister Mvalo announced that the law will be introduced in Parliament once all consultations are exhausted.
New Approach to Tackling Corruption
Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda highlighted that the establishment of the FEC Division does not mean that the Judiciary was not fighting financial crimes prior to this development, but rather signals a new approach towards tackling corruption. He appealed for government support to enhance the functions of the court.
Launch and Attendees
The launch of the FEC Division was attended by several high-profile officials, including:
- Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda
- Director of Public Prosecutions Masauko Chamkakala
- British High Commissioner Fiona Ritchie
- Malawi Law Society president Patrick Mpaka
UK Government Support
The UK government has expressed support for the new development. High Commissioner Fiona Ritchie described the launch of the court as a critical addition to Malawi’s anti-corruption architecture.
Illicit Financial Flows
Malawi loses an estimated five percent of its total wealth annually to illicit financial flows, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The establishment of the FEC Division is seen as a critical step towards tackling corruption in the country.