By Rahim Abdul
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has called for an independent investigation into the alleged involvement of a government adviser in efforts to establish a rival structure within the civil society organisation, escalating an ongoing leadership dispute.
In a statement,HRDC chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa and national coordinator Kelvin Chirwa have accused Presidential Adviser on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) Luther Mambala of allegedly mobilising individuals to form what they describe as an “HRDC Ad-hoc” group intended to undermine the coalition’s leadership.
The two say the allegations raise concerns about possible government interference in the affairs of an independent civil society organisation, particularly at a time when HRDC is facing an internal leadership dispute.
Kaiyatsa
They say HRDC identified a WhatsApp Status screenshot allegedly posted by Mambala showing a meeting involving individuals described as coalition members from several districts in the Southern Region.
According to the two, the circumstances surrounding the meeting raise questions about the involvement of individuals outside its established leadership structures in organising activities involving its membership.
They have since consequently demanded an independent inquiry to establish who organised the meeting, who financed it and whether government officials played any role in the activities.
The two have also called for Mambala’s resignation, arguing that his alleged involvement in efforts to establish a rival structure would raise serious concerns about the independence of civil society organisations.
They maintain that government officials should not participate in creating, mobilising or supporting rival structures within independent NGOs, particularly where such activities could affect their internal leadership and governance.
They argue that allowing government authorities to influence the internal affairs of civil society organisations weakens their independence and undermine their ability to hold public institutions accountable.
The two have further maintained that NGOs must be allowed to operate without government control or interference, especially in matters relating to their membership, leadership and internal governance processes.
