Civil Society leaders to meet over emerged divisions

Leaders of various civil society organizations (CSOs) will in the coming few days hold a meeting to map the way forward following reports of divisions emerging within their grouping, it has been announced.

The meeting will focus on what another grouping of the CSO’s discussed with President Banda soon after the July 20 memorial prayers in Mzuzu.

Sources say the meeting accused some rights groups of negatively analyzing President Banda’s 100 days in office.

The Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR), the Centre for Development of People, and PACENET were some of the organizations that issued a public statement on Banda’s 100 days, in which they described as a mixed bag.

Soon after their meeting with the president, other members of the civil society demanded a comprehensive report and minutes of what transpired during the gathering.

Executive Director of the CHRR Undule Mwakasungula told the media that they demanded for the report to ensure transparency and accountability.

He however declined to give more details on the issue.

Mwakasungula said “after the planned meeting we will call for a press briefing to clarify the outstanding issues.”