Corruption and Financial Crimes Rampant in Malawi, Government Launches Specialised Court
Malawi’s government has launched a new court to combat corruption and financial crimes, aiming to boost efforts to tackle rampant illicit activities in the country. The establishment of the Financial and Economic Crimes (FCC) Division of the High Court of Malawi was officially launched yesterday at the High Court premises in Lilongwe.
Boosting Efforts Against Corruption
The launch was marked by a speech from Justice Minister Titus Mvalo, who emphasized that the court will help judicial officers develop skills and specialisation necessary for effectively prosecuting corruption and financial crimes cases. “A country committed to dealing with corruption must ensure that corruption cases are processed speedily and diligently,” he said.
Key Announcements
- Plans to develop a law protecting whistle-blowers were announced, which will complement the functions of the new court.
- The law, once promulgated, will help investigators, prosecutors, and the court in corruption cases.
Key Attendees
The launch was attended by:
- Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda
- Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda
- Director of Public Prosecutions Masauko Chamkakala
- British High Commissioner Fiona Ritchie
- Malawi Law Society president Patrick Mpaka
- Other officials and dignitaries
Call for Support
Chief Justice Mzikamanda acknowledged that the establishment of the court does not mean that the Judiciary was not fighting financial crimes previously. However, he emphasized the need for sufficient financial support to enhance the functions of the court, saying a well-financed court will play a crucial role in combating corruption and its effects on ordinary citizens.
Resource Allocation
Malawi Law Society president Patrick Mpaka appealed to authorities to empower the new division by assigning more judges and resources. The current head of the FCC is Justice Redson Kapindu, with only three judges assigned to the division.
International Support
The UK High Commissioner Fiona Ritchie hailed the launch of the court as a critical addition to Malawi’s anti-corruption architecture, saying that her country will continue to work with Malawi’s law enforcement agencies in the fight against corruption.
Context
Malawi has been losing five percent of its total wealth annually to illicit financial flows, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. President Lazarus Chakwera directed Justice Minister Titus Mvalo to establish the court in May 2022 as a way of expediting financial crimes and corruption cases in the country.
The establishment of this new court is a significant step towards combating corruption and financial crimes in Malawi, and it is expected to play a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability in the country.