Malawi yet to seek donor assistance in investigations

Malawi Government is yet to respond to an offer of international assistance for investigations into the stealing of public funds whose revelations came to light last month following the shooting of budget director Paul Mphwiyo.

A group of eight donors last week offered to help with expertise for investigations should government require the assistance.

EU head of delegation Alexander Baum said given the importance of maintaining public trust in government institutions and to secure public funds, international assistance would be helpful.

“So far, we as EU have not received any request, but perhaps others have. As the donor community has collectively offered such support, any request may also be addressed to other partners.

“It is up to the government and the relevant institutions such as the ACB or the Auditor General to define the nature of the assistance. This could be criminal investigation, forensic audits or other type of audits and support,” he said.

Baum said development partners would offer any assistance that could help to investigate and shed light into the circumstances surrounding Mphwiyo’s attempted murder.

Asked whether government has responded to the donors’ offer, government spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu only said: “Government welcomes any form of assistance from every angle Malawian or non-Malawian in the fight against corruption and fraud.”