The Catholic Church in Malawi criticised the country’s leadership, labelling it as “weak and indecisive” and not doing enough in the fight against corruption.
The Church had criticised the Malawian government, in a pastoral letter, which was signed by bishops and read out across parishes on Sunday.
In its letter, the Church expressed regret at the slow speed of government decision making when it comes to corruption, despite politicians having the necessary legal powers, authority and information to fight it.
“We believe that a President who campaigned on a platform of anti-corruption, and promised to deal with the vice, will not keep any of his ministers and aides when there is sufficient information about their involvement in corruption,” the bishops said.
Malawi’s government has said it “will look at the letter” and engage with the bishops on the issues raised.
Church leaders have been commended by opposition groups and groups representing civil society for raising concerns they have said are a reflection of concerns members of the general public have.
Demonstrations have taken place across the country in recent months in protest of what they perceive as the government’s failure to deal with rising levels of corruption.
They are also aggrieved by the lack of support for the popular head of the graft-busting body, Martha Chizuma, who has emerged as a stalwart in the anti-corruption fight.