Seven Civil Society Organisations have challenged the decision to deregister 36 organisations, accusing the Non-Governmental Organisations Regulatory Authority (Ngora) of violating procedures and questioning its legal authority to take the action.
Through a letter to Ngora signed by seven CSOs, Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), Youth and Society (YAS), National Advocacy Platform, NGO Gender Coordination Network, Church and Society Programme Development Department, Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency and Nyika Institute they challenged Ngora’s decision and call it unlawful as they believe that Ngora is not operating according to its requirements.
The seven organisations want Ngora to reverse the deregistration decision, as affected organisations were not given the required 30 days’ written notice or a meaningful opportunity to defend themselves before losing their registration.
They have also questioned Ngora’s reliance on the 2024 Reporting Regulations, arguing that the 2024 regulations were not properly gazetted and therefore were not lawfully brought into force.
In the letter seven CSOs argue that Ngora’s board does not meet statutory requirements because it lacks a representative from the Malawi Law Society.
They say the alleged procedural and legal shortcomings raise serious questions about the validity of the deregistration process.
The organisations are therefore calling on Ngora to reverse its decision and address the concerns surrounding the legality of the action.
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