By Chisomo Phiri
Malawi Government says it has received a statement from the US Embassy and sentiments to the media by US Ambassador in which the embassy and ambassador have expressed concern about the fight against corruption.
The Malawi government further says, out of respect of international laws and diplomatic relations, it will engage the US Embassy and the ambassador to address the concerns.
“This will be done in the spirit of mutual respect, without compromising the duty of Govwrtonprotect the sovereignty of Malawi and the independence of domestic public institutions and their officials from foreign interference,” the statement reads in part.
The statement signed by Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu, further says that Malawi government is committed to fighting corruption.
On Wednesday, the United States embassy expressed deep concern over a series of actions against the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) director general Martha Chizuma which it says has severely damaged the credibility of the Malawi government’s fight against corruption.
The embassy singled out the Attorney General’s urgent application yesterday to vacate a court order issued earlier this week which stopped Chizuma’s interdiction.
In December, Chizuma was arrested over her leaked audio and last week Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba suspended Chizuma due to the allegations relating to the audio.
This week Malawi Law Society (MLS) obtained an injunction against the interdiction of Chizuma as well as the arrest and continued prosecution.
However, the government through Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda yesterday made an urgent application to vacate the injunction.
