CSOs decry uncertainty on civic space

Civil society organisations (CSOs) have lamented a shrinking civic space, warning that it puts Malawi in a precarious situation breeding a polarised political environment, reputational threats and a funding strain. The CSOs expressed their fears in Mzuzu yesterday during an engagement organised by National Advocacy Platform (NAP) to strengthen action in safeguarding the civic space in the country. Making his presentation, NAP national coordinator Baxton Nkhoma said there is political polarisation as government and politicians have now taken more interest in the work of the civil society.

He said this is the reason the civic space is witnessing politically motivated groups claiming to be CSOs just to advance political interests apart from other renowned players taking more interest in advancing the agenda of politicians or the government. “You will agree with me that the issue of funding is also shrinking the civic space. In 2025, out of around 1 115 non-governmental organisations, only 167 registered or secured licences, which is a challenge,” said Nkhoma.

Nkhoma also mentioned the recent arrest of Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives executive director Sylvester Namiwa and the failed demonstrations by Human Rights Defenders Coalition on the Chiweta-Karonga Road as the new lows manifesting in the sector. Mzuzu Civil Society Network chairperson Edward Kantuseya said most CSOs players do not have formal employment, making it more difficult to manage their integrity in the face of a political system determined to exploit them and paralyse the civic space. Sharing her views, Youth and Society head of programmes Mwandida Theu asked fellow players to start having an honest conversation on political appointments of CSO leaders, which she noted are contributing to dwindling civic space. During the International Human Rights Defenders Day celebrations in December 2025, State-funded Malawi Human Rights Commission and civil society groups bemoaned poor levels of access to justice and shrinking civic space for human rights defenders in the country in recent years.