The United States Embassy has welcomed and described President Lazarus Chakwera’s decision not to fire Martha Chizuma as the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Director General as the bold step.
This is in reaction with what the president said when addressing the nation on Monday that he will not relieve Chizuma off her duties following a leakage of an audio clip in which Chizuma was discussing work related issues with a friend.
Chakwera said that despite being disappointed with what Chizuma did, he still believes that she still has what it takes to help his government attain a corrupt free country.
In a statement seen by this publication, the US Embassy noted that corruption poses a significant threat to Malawi by wasting public resources and undermining democracy and the confidence of citizens.
According to the statement, what Chakwera did is a clear sign that his administration is ready to fight against corruption in the country.
Chargé d’Affaires Jeremey Neitzke stated, “We are encouraged by President Chakwera’s commitment to ensuring that Malawi’s accountability institutions are apolitical and that those engaging in acts of corruption are brought to justice. The U.S. government supports efforts to prevent corruption by encouraging government transparency and access to information, as well as to prosecute corruption.”
