By Kondwani Banda and Paul Madise

Lilongwe, August 23, Mana The Malawi Civic Space Dialogue has been launched today at the Bingu Convention Centre in Lilongwe, with Minister of Information and Digitalisation, Moses Kunkuyu, describing the event as a testament to the collective commitment to fostering dialogue on the critical issues that shape the future of Malawi and Africa.

In his keynote speech, Kunkuyu emphasized the vital role of civil society in advocating for and facilitating the opening and expansion of civic space.

“Through collaboration with government and development partners, the Civil Society in Malawi continues to advocate and facilitate opening and expansion of the Civic space, the arena where individuals and groups come together to express their opinions, influence governance, contribute to the development of their communities,” he said.

The Minister commended the independence of the Malawi judiciary, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding civic space and upholding freedoms of expression, association, and assembly, noting that the executive, under President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera's leadership, is committed to deepening democracy.

However, he acknowledged that the digital age poses both opportunities and challenges to civic space, including cybersecurity risks.

In his remarks, Chief Justice, Rizine Mzikamanda, also commended the Malawi Judiciary for being one of the model judiciaries in Africa, enforcing the rule of law, and human rights impartially, in defense of constitutional democracy. He therefore urged all stakeholders to ensure the continued judicial independence in the country.

Charles Kajoloweka, Director of Youth and Society, highlighted the significance of the event in creating a platform for engagement between Civil Society and the three arms of government.

“We think that by working together with the legislature, judiciary and the executive, we can address most of the concerns that Civil Society continues to raise,” he said.

The aim of the dialogue is to take stoke of Malawi’s progress in entrenching and promoting civic space, identify the challenges and exchange ideas on how the challenges faced by the Republic on this front can be addressed.