Malawi President, Lazarus Chakwera, has appointed human rights activist Martha Kwataine as presidential advisor on non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Kwataine’s appointment was announced during a dinner meeting organised by Citizen Alliance.

She said President Chakwera was committed to engaging civil society organisations that have constructive ideas on national building.

‘I stand here to assure you that the Tonse Alliance government is committed to ensuring that there is a level playing field for local and international NGOs operating in the space within Malawi’, she said.

‘When civic space is open, citizens and civil society organisations can organise, participate, and communicate without major barriers.

‘In doing so, they can claim their rights and influence the political and social structures around them’.

The founder of Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) also said that the role of the state was to facilitate an environment where citizens’ rights are respected and most of the people freely exercising their will to associate, assemble peacefully, and express views and opinions.

Source:  Nyasa Times

Photo source: Martha Kwataine