MALAWI: HRDC Urges President Chakwera to Fire Ministers and Officials Over Misinformation

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi

The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has advised President Lazarus Chakwera to take drastic action against ministers and public officers who provided his office with incorrect information about the country’s development projects.

According to HRDC’s Chairperson, Gift Trapence, it is unacceptable that some officials misled the President, which he considers an insult.

Trapence emphasized that the President should be outraged by this betrayal of trust and take immediate action.

“This should prompt the President to fire them and not allow them to clarify his State of the Nation Address (Sona),” he said.

Trapence also stressed that the President must set the record straight by reprimanding these unprofessional officials.

If not, he warned that it would be business as usual, with one lie leading to another.

The HRDC’s call for action comes after Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Colleen Zamba, announced that Cabinet ministers would provide updates and clarifications on queries raised following the presentation of the Sona.

This development highlights the need for accountability and transparency within the government.

Trapence’s statement also underscores the importance of honesty and integrity in public service. “It is crucial that public officials provide accurate information to the President and the public,” he said.

“Misinformation can have serious consequences and undermine the trust between the government and its citizens,” he added.

Furthermore, the HRDC’s demand for accountability resonates with the concerns of many Malawians who feel that the government has not been transparent enough about its development projects.

The President’s Sona was met with skepticism by some, who questioned the accuracy of the information presented.

In response to the HRDC’s call, the government has yet to comment on whether it will take action against the officials who provided misleading information.

However, the Secretary to the President and Cabinet’s announcement suggests that the government is taking steps to address the concerns raised by the HRDC and other stakeholders.