Malawi donors urge ‘swift’ probe in Mphwiyo shooting saga, corruption allegations

Malawi cooperating partners have expressed worry with the shooting  of Budget Director in the Ministry of Finance Paul Mphwiyo and have called for the spirited fight against corruption and public funds embezzlement.

Mphwiyo was shot three times by unknown assailants a recently  as he was entering his residence which is located in Area 43, Lilongwe.

Mphwiyo’s shooting has caused stir and others suspects he was shot because he has been discharging his duties of controlling funds in the ministry of finance perfectly.

In a statement released on Friday, the donors said they are “greatly concerned”  about the shooting saga.

“ These are worrying developments that potentially risk Malawi’s stability, rule of law and reputation,” said a statement signed by the British High Commissioner Michael Nevin, USA’sJeanine Jackson, head of the EU Delegation Alexander Baum, Germany Ambassador Peter Woeste, Iceland’sMaria Erla Marelsdottir, Ireland’s Liz Higgins, Japanese Envoy Fujio Samukawa and Norwegian Mission HeadAsbjorn Eidhammer.

They have called for  “ swift and credible investigations that leave no stone unturned, allowing the investigating authorities to act without fear, intimidation or hindrance.”

The donors have also offered to help in investigating the matter.

“ Should the Malawi authorities require international assistance to their investigations into this and other cases, we are willing to respond,” said the statement.

“There has been growing concern in Malawi about corruption. We welcome the government’s acceptance that much more needs to be done,” the noted.

“ We encourage further political will to support the determination of those prepared within government and in state institutions to act against corruption, building on the recently announced measures to strengthen accounting systems and controlling measures.

“We encourage a strong coalition with others in Malawi society to ensure success and confirm our continued support to them in order that we achieve results.”

Malawi President Joyce Banda said Mphwiyo, currently receiving medical treatment at Milpark Hospital in South Africa, was on the verge of busting a corruption ring.

Soon after Mphwiyo’s shooting Treasury Departmaent announced that it has further tightened controls over the IFMIS payment system. The new measures come just a month after also government announced some reforms to the IFMIS.

The new measures include that apart from controlling officers or their designated senior officers all cheques from ministries and government departments should be countersigned by both the Accountant General and the Budget Director or their designated representatives.

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