By Jones Gadama
Government has welcomed a statement by the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace that recognized several milestones achieved under President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika while also raising areas that need urgent attention.
In the statement released this week, CCJP commended the administration for progress made in various sectors but urged authorities to address outstanding governance and socio-economic concerns. The Catholic body, known for its advocacy on human rights and democratic accountability, said its observations were aimed at strengthening service delivery and protecting citizens’ welfare.
Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Dr. Shadric Namalomba, said government received the CCJP submission positively. “We thank the CCJP for their statement, which commends the government for the milestones it is achieving and also highlights areas requiring further attention. We have taken note of these concerns,” Namalomba stated.
He added that constructive engagement with faith-based organizations and civil society is important for national development. According to the Minister, government values feedback from institutions like CCJP because it helps identify gaps and improve policy implementation. He assured Malawians that the concerns raised would be reviewed by relevant ministries and departments.
The CCJP statement comes at a time when public debate is focused on service delivery, economic stability, and democratic governance ahead of upcoming national processes. Faith institutions in Malawi have historically played a role in monitoring governance and reminding duty-bearers of constitutional obligations.
Political and social analysts note that CCJP’s dual approach of recognizing progress while flagging challenges reflects its mandate to promote justice and peace without partisan alignment. The commission has in past statements also called for dialogue, transparency, and respect for human rights.
Government did not specify which concerns would be prioritized, but Namalomba said the administration remains committed to addressing issues that affect citizens’ daily lives. He called on all stakeholders to continue offering recommendations in a spirit of patriotism.
With the statement now acknowledged, attention will shift to whether government translates CCJP’s recommendations into concrete action in the months ahead.
