Bamusi accuses Malawi CSOs of turning into political organisations

Presidential Advisor on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Mavuto Bamusi has cautioned the civil society to never divert from their core values and being influenced by politics.

Bamusi: CSOs are supposed to serve the needs of the people and not be political

Bamusi’s remarks comes hot on the heels following the public’s resistance to partake in demonstrations organized by the civil society organizations (CSOs) as majority of the population regard them to be political in nature or politically inclined, and only benefit a few individuals.

“A minority of CSOs have decided to align themselves with opposition politics. They have decided to define their actions through politics instead of defining their works through the developmental needs of the people,” said Bamusi in quotes reported by the Nation On Sunday.

Bamusi warned of continued division amongst the CSOs if they let politics take centre stage in their operations, arguing their actions will surely destabilize SCOs’ relationship with government.

“If the dynamics are not managed carefully by the CSO leaders themselves, they are going to continue to divide SCO community but will also destabilize relations between government and the CSOs. But the leadership of President Mutharika is one that embraces everyone, including those critical CSO leaders,” added Bamusi.

Asked as what is better way for both government and CSOs to work together, Bamusi proposed the need for both sides to define their mutual interest which can only be defined by the mutual desire to serve developmental needs of the people.

“Because that is the mandate of CSOs; they are supposed to serve the needs of the people and not be political.”

In a separate interview with Nyasa Times, Bamusi proposed the need for contact and dialogue between government and CSOs, saying taking issue to the streets never provides solutions to challenges ordinary people face.

“It is only through contact and dialogue that we can be able to find solutions to the issues affecting this nation. Our President has time and again stated his desire to meet with those who feel have proposed solutions to what the citizenry face. The CSOs should adopt this theory.”

On Thursday the much anticipated “day of rage” demonstration staged in the capital Lilongwe to demand an end to impunity failed to pull a crowd as Malawians ignored the protest.

Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), Centre for Development of People (CEDEP), Youth and Society (YAS) and Church and Society (Livingstonia Synod) decided to stage the demonstration to demand transparency and accountability as well us fighting corruption without discrimination and end the practice of the rich to hold stockpiles of undeclared cash.

Despite the hyped publicity and warm reception by Malawians on social media, only few people turned up to join the civil society organizations a clear demonstrated how Malawians regard demonstrations.

The CSOs  pledged not to hold general strike because it would cause economic disruption but the turn up in Lilongwe threw in tatters their plans to hold a seven day mass protest from April 28th  that are to be joined by opposition parties calling for  “last push” of the government if it will not address their concerns.

Some Malawians commenting on social media regard the demonstration as waste of time and money, claiming now Malawians are no longer willing to fight battle that only profit few

Of late demonstrations against government have been receiving low patronage following the shooting of innocent Malawians on July 20th in 2011 under late President Bingu wa Mutharika’s administration.

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :

Sharing is caring!

Follow us in Twitter
4 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
he he he
he he he
7 years ago

Look who is talking

tithokoze namwera
7 years ago

MR BAMUSI PLEASE CSOs BY THEIR DEFINITION ARE POLITICAL IN NATURE AND THEREFORE SUPPOSED TO DO POLITICS .IN MATURE DEMOCRACY YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE ONLY IN A POLITICAL PARTY TO DO POLITICS .

PEOPLE ARE NO LONGER INTERESTED IN DEMOS BECAUSE DPP HAS MADE MALAWIANS TO BE PASSIVE BECAUSE OF THREATS AND ALSO USING DIVIDE AND RULE POLICY.

Sailota
Sailota
7 years ago

Beware of a curse. You are reaping over poor Malawians. I know God is watching u. Surely mudzafa imfa yowawa. I profesy, very soon muyamba kuphana nokhanokha.

PETER
PETER
7 years ago

I thought Bamusi was in the same CSO until he joined Politics? Is this not the same Bamusi who wanted to fund that old lady who thought can intimidate Kamlepo? lol Now because your strategy is backfiring CSO’s should back down? No man……lets just proceed with the status quo…..DPP ivutika siinati….

Read previous post:
Wanderers gala: Wadabwa most decorated player

Be Forward Wanderers players, technical staff, administrative staff,  and other dignitaries gathered  at Robins Park  in Blantyre on Saturday  for...

Close