CSOs Shun Call on MCC in Fear of Supporting Mutharika Administration

By Limbikani Mhura

US based political and human rights activist Foster Fundi  who is lobbying for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) not to throw out Malawi,  has said  his request for Civil Society Organizations (CSO) in Malawi to support the lobby has received a mute response as no organisation in Malawi has made an effort to the effect.

MCC threatened to cancel aid amounting to $ 360 million aimed at boosting the energy sector in Malawi due to human rights and governance issues and a committee will meet on March 15 2012 to decide Malawi’s fate.

Fundi  therefore asked local CSOs to call the MCC in support of the bid for the greater good.

In an interview with  Malawi Voice on Tuesday exclusively from USA, Fundi said  that no local organization has supported the bid in fear of seeming to be supporting the current Bingu wa Mutharika administration.

“I got a muted response from CSO leadership. Many have expressed the same concern in private that they don’t want to be seen as supporting this administration by supporting any of its policies. They don’t want to lose friends.

“There is too much politicking in Malawi to the detriment of our country future and  Malawi is in a sad state. This project is beyond one personor administration. I was even able to get support from Israeli friends to call US in support of Malawi and not our own citizens who will get direct benefit from the grant. Shame on us” Fundi said.

He said once confirmed, the grant will be implemented by experts from US with the help of local NGOs, all political parties, CSO and the

government.

Fundi said he has volunteered pro bono to fly to Malawi four times a year for the next five years during implementation to help the US

experts in making sure that every penny has been used to its intended purpose.

He however, feels confident that they will release the hold, despite saying too high to take a chance hence his call for the support of CSO

and leaders of opposition.

“I will be disappointed if we don’t get it because I have worked so hard on this grant for years. Have you ever wondered why Tanzania gets more than 10 times grant from US than Malawi? The government, CSOs,?

NGOs, Opposition parties work together when it comes to grants. “This grant will change many lives in rural areas and will open up

many economic opportunities for our youth and small businesses. I hope Malawi will come to its senses one day and work together to alleviate poverty and hardship for its people regardless of their political affiliations.” Fundi said.