Francis Kasaila

Newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, I would take it as a priority an investigation into the alleged fraud at the Malawi Embassy in Ethiopia.

If I were bwana Kasaila, I would realise that the public is eagerly waiting to see how I will handle the scam in my new ministry where $30 000 (about K20 million) is alleged to have been siphoned out at a time when the country is battling a severe cash squeeze.

Oh yes, honourable minister, I would realise that there have been cases before where audits have revealed massive fraud in government, but sadly the investigations have either been ‘swept under the carpet’ or have died a ‘natural death.’

How I wish I were Kasaila, because I would appreciate that at a time when donors are withholding their support due to plundering of public resources, the latest development is cause for worry.

I would realise that it is also important that speedy investigations are carried out.

Of course, that is if only I were Kasaila, but unfortunately, I am not the minister responsible for foreign affairs.n