‘MISA Malawi concerned with government’s hostility towards media, critics’ 7 April 2023

MISA Malawi is deeply concerned with government’s increased hostility towards the media and critics. It is even more worrying that members of the Cabinet whose duties include upholding the Constitution are in the forefront violating constitutional provisions they are meant to protect. On Wednesday, April 6, 2022, Minister of Energy Honourable Ibrahim Matola verbally attacked Malawi Institute of Journalism (MIJ) FM reporter Cathy Maulidi during Government Faces the Press. The Minister accused Maulidi of being an agent of the opposition for simply asking question on government’s plan on fuel prices. On March 23, 2022, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Honourable Sosten Gwengwe also threatened to walk out of an interview over a similar question and insinuated that someone had sent Maulidi to ask him questions.

On Tuesday, April 5, 2022, police in Blantyre arrested journalist Gregory Gondwe over a story that angered Attorney General Thabo Chakaka – Nyirenda. Nyirenda has since apologised for Gondwe’s arrest. These and several other cases of media censorship, online and offline attacks on journalists and critical voices are suppressing media freedom, freedom of speech and other legitimate forms of dissent which is very sad for our democracy. The media and critics exist to ensure that Malawians are getting information about their government and ensure that there is transparency and accountability in the implementation of government plans, policies and development programs. The media and critical voices are not enemies of the State or government. Ministers and other government officials are supposed to be accountable to the people and it is not wrong to ask them questions.