Highlights and takeaways from the legal affairs committee and office of the Ombudsman interface meeting on the 23 October 2024 held in Malawi.
On the evening of 23 October 2024, the Parliamentary Support Program led by Democracy Works Foundation (DWF) hosted the Parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee and the Office of the Ombudsman to a pivotal interface meeting at Sunbird Capital Hotel, Lilongwe, Malawi. The discussions centred on bolstering oversight mechanisms to hold public institutions accountable.
“This meeting affords the Office of the Ombudsman an opportunity to indeed sharpen its work, supported by the recently amended Ombudsman Act (2024). It is a rare opportunity as the Legal Affairs Committee walks with the OoO in its Strategic work. The Legal Affairs Committee is a critical mechanism for the enforcement of the OoO determinations.” – Honorable Ombudsman, Mrs Grace MALERA.
One of the key successes of the meeting was the renewed commitment to supporting the Ombudsman’s Office in implementing its recommendations and in enforcing its determinations and following up on compliance by stakeholders, MDAs.
“I am thrilled to stand before you again to deliver remarks on yet another workshop that provides a platform for the Legal Affairs Committee to continue appreciating and supporting the Office of the Ombudsman’s mandate. I would not do justice if I fail to mention the significant impact that workshops like these have had on the amendment of various laws. You may recall that, through this collaboration, in December 2023, DWF-PSP supported the Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament in engaging with the Office of the Ombudsman during a dinner meeting. That interaction helped unpack the Ombudsman (Amendment) Act and consolidated the issues for review. The outcome of that meeting ultimately led to Parliament supporting and passing the amendment. It was an achievement that we must all applaud, as it shows that our efforts are not in vain.” – Honorable Chairperson Legal Affairs Committee, Peter DIMBA, MP
The Ombudsman’s role in addressing public complaints of maladministration was also highlighted as crucial for promoting justice, as the Committee acknowledged the need for quicker action in cases of abuse of power and corruption in public offices. Nonetheless, the Ombudsman underscored challenges that the Office of the Ombudsman’s work and processes of securing redress for the various maladministration cases have faced, including delays in implementation and enforcement of their determinations and recommendations.
The meeting, in response, cemented the commitment from Parliament towards prioritizing such cases, and ensuring timely responses and resolutions moving forward:
“May the Ombudsman and her office submit the list of non-compliance determinations to the Committee to be looked at…starting especially with those from most ‘stubborn’ MDAs” – Honorable Vice Chairperson Legal Affairs Committee, Yusuf NTHENDA, MP.
This meeting marked a significant step forward in strengthening the partnership between Parliament and the Ombudsman, ensuring Government officials are held to higher standards of transparency and accountability. During the meeting, the Ombudsman shared several cases of some moving impactful stories in which their interventions led to justice being bestowed back to some voiceless, including one ending in some compensations and pension payments for ex-MDF soldiers.
See the evening in pictures here
