US bars four ex-Malawi officials over corruption

The US has barred four former officials of the Malawi government from entry because of their involvement in significant corruption, the state department said on Wednesday.

The officials designated are former solicitor general and secretary of justice Reyneck Matemba, former director of public procurement and disposal of assets John Suzi-Banda, former Malawi Police Service attorney Mwabi Kaluba, and former Malawi Police Service inspector-general George Kainja, the department said.

The four were cited as having “abused their public positions by accepting bribes and other articles of value” from a business person in exchange for a government contract.

“The US stands with Malawians working towards a more just and prosperous nation by promoting accountability for corrupt officials, including advocating for transparency and integrity in government procurement processes,” department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

Matemba expressed surprise when contacted.

“I am still in Malawi and have never travelled outside the country since 2021.

“I am on bail, therefore I can’t travel because my passport is technically with the police,” Matemba said.

Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has waged a crackdown on corruption in recent years.

In January 2022, he dissolved the country’s entire cabinet on charges of corruption against three serving ministers.

Later that year, Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau which has been investigating public officers over alleged plundering of state resources by influencing awarding of contracts arrested and charged the country’s vicepresident, Saulos Klaus Chilima, over graft allegations.

Malawi is one of the world’s poorest countries.