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Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Fight: Integrating Asset Recovery into Disciplinary Proceedings
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Lilongwe, Malawi - As Malawi continues to grapple with high-level corruption, experts are calling for a new National Economic Crime Strategy that integrates asset recovery into all forms of disciplinary and court proceedings.
The Need for a New Approach
According to a recent report by the University of Edinburgh’s Centre of African Studies, expropriation of illicit wealth should be a standard practice in tackling corruption. This approach would require a multi-agency asset-tracing and recovery scheme, as well as policy-making structure.
Challenges Ahead
Limited Budget
Experts warn that Malawi’s limited budget presents a significant challenge. “It is crucial that law enforcement agencies have sufficient funding to support high-level corruption investigations and prosecutions,” said Gerhard Anders, Principal Investigator at the Centre of African Studies.
Institutional Architecture
The report also highlights the importance of institutional architecture, including inter-agency cooperation between law enforcement agencies such as:
- Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)
- Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB)
- Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA)
- Malawi Police Service
Transparency and Accountability
Transparent Appointment Procedures and Robust Vetting Processes
Furthermore, the researchers emphasize the need for transparent appointment procedures and robust vetting processes to ensure the independence of law enforcement officials. “It is key to the independence of officials that their employment is not subject to ad hoc executive decisions,” said Anders.
International Development Partners
The report also acknowledges the role of international development partners in supporting Malawi’s anti-corruption efforts, but stresses the importance of coordination and ownership by the government.
Civil Society and Free Press
Essential Components in the Fight Against Corruption
Free press, media, and civil society are also seen as essential components in the fight against corruption. “Law enforcement agencies and international development partners should support and engage with these pillars of open public debate,” said Anders.
Research Team
The research team consisted of:
- Gerhard Anders (Principal Investigator)
- Matthew Page (Nigeria Expert)
- Nick Staite (Legal Expert)
Contact Information
Gerhard Anders, Centre of African Studies, University of Edinburgh. Email: gerhard.anders@ed.ac.uk
Funding
The research is funded by the Global Integrity-FCDO Anti-Corruption Evidence Program (2019-2021).