CDEDI Chief Namiwa shines at 2025 Human Rights Defenders Awards

MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-Second Vice President Enock Kanzingeni-Chihana, on Tuesday evening arrived at Grand Palace Hotel in Mzuzu to preside over the 2025 Human Rights Defenders Awards Dinner, an event marking this year’s commemoration of Human Rights Day.

The occasion brings together activists, institutions and leaders to reflect on the country’s progress in protecting and promoting fundamental freedoms.

The annual awards celebrate individuals who have shown outstanding courage in defending human rights, often under difficult and hostile circumstances.

This year, two defenders were recognised for their contributions over the past twelve months.

Chairperson of the Independent Awards Panel, Justice Redson Kapindu, urged human rights advocates not to relent in their mission, stressing that Malawi must never slide back into the era of oppression.

He said the role of human rights defenders remains central to safeguarding democracy, justice and accountability.

According to Justice Kapindu, this year’s awardee is someone who demonstrated remarkable bravery and consistency despite facing significant challenges in the field.

The 2025 Runner-Up Award went to Silvester Namiwa of the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), honoured for his resilience and outspoken advocacy on governance and civil liberties.

The Human Rights Defender of the Year Award was presented to Maggie Kathewera Banda, recognised for her exceptional leadership in championing the rights of women, girls and other marginalized groups.

Kapindu noted that Kathewera Banda’s work has been instrumental in pushing for equality and amplifying the voices of vulnerable communities.

Over the past years, the awards have highlighted notable defenders.

In 2023, CHREEA claimed the top award with Tusaiwe Yana as runner-up, while in 2024, lawyer Alexious Kamangira was honoured as Human Rights Defender of the Year.

This year’s ceremony reaffirmed the critical role defenders continue to play in strengthening Malawi’s human rights landscape, reminding the nation of the ongoing need for vigilance, courage and commitment.


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Senegal Approves Payment for African Energy Bank

Senegal
Senegal Approves Payment for African Energy Bank

The African Energy Bank has received a significant financial boost with Senegal approving its share of payment for the pan-African energy finance vehicle

DAKAR, Senegal, December 9, 2025/ — Senegal has approved its share of payment for the African Energy Bank (AEB), which is expected to be paid before the end of 2025.

Announced by Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General for intergovernmental organization the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) on December 9 at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition in Dakar, the payment comes as Senegal expands its focus on developing its own energy sector, which includes significant oil and natural gas reserves.

“With this payment, we are getting closer to the development of the African Energy Bank,” Dr. Ibrahim stated.

With an initial capitalization of $5 billion – which is expected to grow to $120 billion within three to five years – the AEB has been established to provide dedicated funding for African energy projects, including oil, gas and renewable energy. Headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, the AEB has been established by APPO and pan-African financial institution the African Export-Import Bank.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

SOURCE                    
Energy Capital & Power


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Malawi COs calls for renewed accountability on corruption drive fight: International Anti-Corruption Day

Benedicto Kondowe from left

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)— As the world marked International Anti-Corruption Day, two of Malawi’s leading governance watchdogs urged national leaders to treat corruption not as a routine governance challenge but as a national emergency requiring urgent, decisive action.

In a joint statement, National Advocacy Platform (NAP) Executive Director Benedicto Kondowe and Civil Society Accountability Taskforce (CSAT) Executive Director Willy Kambwandira stressed that Malawi’s political leadership must convert anti-corruption commitments into tangible reforms that strengthen accountability across all sectors.

“Corruption must be confronted, not accommodated. Accountability must be enforced, not negotiated,” the statement reads, underscoring the urgency with which the two organizations believe Malawi must respond.

NAP and CSAT emphasized that a renewed culture of integrity is possible one anchored in institutions that operate independently and free from fear, political interference, or personal interests.

They also highlighted the critical role of young people, describing them as the “forefront generation capable of demanding and defending transparency,” and essential contributors to building a more accountable Malawi.

The two organizations reaffirmed their commitment to work collaboratively with government bodies, communities, and stakeholders to ensure that Malawi’s anti-corruption pledges become actionable realities.

“Only when commitments become lived realities will Malawi deliver a future where integrity is not aspirational but expected,” the statement adds.

This year’s commemoration is themed at “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s
Integrity”.


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