Malawi civil society groups protest deregistration of 36 NGOs

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has challenged the Non-Governmental Organisations Regulatory Authority (NGORA) following the deregistration of 36 non-governmental organisations, including the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC).

The protesting groups, which include the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, Youth and Society, and the NGO-Gender Coordinating Network, have given NGORA 14 days to rescind the decision. The CSOs argue that the deregistration lacks procedural fairness and proportionality, asserting that such measures should be a last resort. They contend that the regulator should utilize warnings and corrective measures before resorting to cancellation.

NGORA stated the organisations were deregistered for alleged failure to comply with the NGO Act. Specifically, HRDC was cited for failing to submit its 2023 financial report. HRDC chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa has contested this, claiming the regulator failed to consider the organisation’s explanations. The matter is currently moving toward legal resolution, with HRDC having already filed a lawsuit against NGORA.