A consortium of eight civil society organisations has opposed government’s proposal to introduce security mechanisms for District Commissioners, Chief Executive Officers and Mayors.
Minister of Local government Richard Chimwendo Banda made an announcement of the proposal arguing that DCs and CEOs are overseers of development hence requiring extra security.
Ironically, this proposal by the minister is coming at a time various stakeholder have also expressed worry at the state of security in the country, an observation security agency have dismissed.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the CSO’s have spoken against the move saying it will only exert unnecessary pressure on an already fragile economy in the face of the recent unprecedented disasters, high costs of living, huge debt and broadened electoral constituencies.
In addition, the CSO’s argue that the move will provide a conducive platform for abuse of power among those in authority, power which they might use to suppress dissenting views.
“Providing local government officials with access to security apparatuses opens the door for potential misuse. Such misuse could lead to the suppression of political opposition or activities that do not align with the public interest. These possibilities carry serious consequences for the rule of law and the overall quality of governance. is not only insensitive to but also a threat to democracy, a potential infringement on fundamental rights and freedoms, and a cause for alarm regarding the nation’s security,” reads part of the statement.
In an interview with MIJ Online, Benedicto Kondowe a representative of the consortium who is also the executive director of Civil Society Education Coalition said the intention to introduce security mechanisms for these officials will also result in the failure of these officials to be accountable to their constituents as they will not be easily accessible thereby diminishing the political will that goes with their availability at all levels of society when required to do so.
However, Kondowe said knowing how government operates, the announcing of the proposal could mean that the plan has already been set in motion hence calling to the abandonment of the same saying it is not only insensitive and a threat to democracy, and has cause for alarm regarding the nation’s security.
Meanwhile, while having hope that government will take heed of the advice as provided in the statement, Kondowe has said that they will be monitoring steps taken by authorities on the matter.
The consortium is comprised of Youth and Society, National Advocacy Platform, Human Rights Defenders Coalition, Malawi Economic Justice Network and NGO Gender Coordination Network among other organisations.
