Malawi: NGOs question AU chairman

  1. Posted on Monday 15 February 2010 - 15:35
    Chancy Namadzunda
    Image of Chancy Namadzunda
    Chancy Namadzunda, AfricaNews reporter in Lilongwe, Malawi
    The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC), a civil society network of 91 NGOs in Malawi working to promote governance, accountability and human rights has questioned the government provision of MK500 million (about 2,314,814 Euros) to president Bingu wa Mutharika as administration costs of chairing the African Union (AU).
    Bingu wa Mutharika
    In a press statement, HRCC stated the fact that Malawi is now AU chair should not ignite excitement for unnecessary travel by government officials as the money is huge considering that it will be spent within 5 months (February to June 2010).

    “Will the local tax payers bear the burden alone or will other countries contribute? Of all 53 member states how much countries normally subsidize or contribute and how much is the AU budget for the chairman office?” read part of the release signed by the body’s Chairman Undule Mwakasungula.

    The body also questions why the money should be managed by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has the special AU desk which can ably manage the funding.

    “We don’t know why an additional MK 158 million (about 731 481 Euros) is appearing under the MoFA for increased international meetings under Malawi AU chairmanship. Why different figures under different votes coming in different direction?” reads the statement

    Finance Minister Ken Kandodo Banda told the local media that the money will help the president, who is the AU chairman to ably participate in his work of uplifting the lives of Africans.

    Mutharika denied commenting on the issue when he was returning from the AU summit saying he was not briefed.

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