Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs said yesterday 50 people have applied for the position of Anti- Corruption Bureau (ACB) director general. But legal and civil society groups warned that any political interference in the recruitment process will undermine public confidence in the country’s anti-corruption fight. The post became vacant after the expiry of former director general Martha Chizuma’s contract in June 2024.
Mi n i s t r y of Just i ce and Constitutional Affairs spokesperson Frank Namangale said in an interview yesterday that shortlisting of candidates is expected to begin next week. He said the process would be free and fair, arguing that the integrity of those overseeing the exercise should guarantee credibility. “The Solicitor General will constitute a panel and the shortlisting will commence.
Those who are successful will be invited for interviews before the rest of the procedures are concluded,” said Namangale. However, he could not state when Malawians will know the successful candidate, saying the process is lengthy, an explanation that comes amid heightened public scrutiny following past failed recruitment attempts. Malawi Law Society president Davis Njobvu said the law is explicit on how the ACB director general should be appointed and warned that any deviation would raise serious concerns.
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“This is not an ordinar y appointment. Malawians are watching closely because the credibility of the entire anti-corruption framework hinges on who leads the ACB,” he said. Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency executive director Willy Kambwandira said the large pool of applicants leaves no justification for compromising standards.
“With 50 applicants, there is absolutely no excuse for recycling compromised individuals or lowering the bar. Malawi needs an independent, courageous and professionally credible ACB director general who will pursue corruption wherever it leads, including politically exposed persons,” he said. On his part, National Advocacy Platform chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said the recruitment exercise is a defining test of the government’s commitment to fighting corruption beyond rhetoric. The Ministry of Justice advertised the position on December 6, stating that the successful candidate must be a person of high integrity, committed to fighting corruption and willing to undergo vetting.
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