Bamusi tells Malawi CSOs to adopt ‘principles of integrity’: Govt to establish dialogue council

Presidential Advisor on NGOs and Civil Society, Mavuto Bamusi  has told civil society organisations in the country to adopt principles of integrity in their work.

He said CSOs to adopt principles of integrity in a bid to bring positive change to the nation, warning against careless and personal orchestrated demonstrations.

Bamusi made the call in Mangochi during an interface meeting with Mangochi Civil Society Network.

He observed that there was need for CSOs in the country to embrace a transformational approach in their operations to be in line with the changes happening in the public sector whereby there have been some reforms.

Bamusi encouraged CSOs to adhere to principles of accountability since government expects the civil society to lead by example in ensuring a transparent and corrupt free society.

“Let me also hasten to mention that the use of dialogue is very critical whenever we want to send messages to government and especially to the President who has deliberately broaden space for such engagement,” he said. “Since he (President Peter Mutharika) was sworn in 2014, he committed to protect the laws and the Constitution of this country.”

Bamusi pointed out the meeting was aimed at highlighting some of the opportunities available and challenges that CSOs perceive government would encounter in its drive to deliver some of the development milestones by the current administration citing the community colleges and the public sector reforms among others.

He, therefore, disclosed that government plans to establish a National Development Council whose duty would be to oversee all development projects initiated by past and present administrations to ensure continuity of such initiatives.

“Once this council is place, we expect that there will be continuity to development initiatives especially large scale projects like the community colleges we are talking about here. This special vehicle is being pushed to serve as a portal for the advancement of national development devoid of any political interference,” Bamusi pointed out.

He said the  Mutharika administration will continue to strive at creating an amiable environment in which NGOs would operate effectively and complement government in its national development programmes. –Additional reporting by Malawi News Agency