Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Taonga Sabola
Published on 2024-03-14 07:45:31
The Office of the Ombudsman has recently received a complaint from civil society organizations (CSOs) regarding an arms deal and is currently in the process of engaging with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) before taking any further action. This complaint, which was submitted on February 6 by CSOs led by the National Advocacy Platform (Nap), raised concerns about alleged maladministration in the arms procurement deal that involved a substantial payment to a firm associated with UK-based businessman Zuneth Sattar.
Mandy Pondani, the spokesperson for the Office of the Ombudsman, confirmed that the complaint is being thoroughly reviewed and that the CSOs have been kept informed about the initial steps being taken. During the preliminary assessment of the complaint, it was discovered that a similar complaint had also been lodged with the ACB, prompting the Ombudsman’s office to engage with them for further information.
Pondani stated, “The complaint is receiving the necessary attention and the complainant has been informed accordingly. The first step we have taken is to involve the ACB, which we understand has received a similar complaint. The response from the ACB will guide us on how to proceed with the matter.”
In their letter to Ombudsman Grace Malera, signed by Nap Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe, the CSOs highlighted the urgency of investigating the arms deal issue. They expressed concerns about potential abuses of power by officials involved in the deal, particularly regarding the execution of the deed of assignment and the initial payment of $4,983,400, which is part of a larger contract worth $19,993,600.
Following a meeting with Minister of Defence Harry Mkandawire in February, Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu and Mkandawire assured the public that the government had not entered into any new contract negotiations with Sattar-related businesses. However, as of now, the ACB has not provided any official comment on the matter.
The collaboration between the Office of the Ombudsman and the ACB in handling this complaint demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing potential maladministration and corruption issues. The thorough investigation of the arms deal complaint is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring the proper use of public funds. It is essential for government institutions to work together to uphold integrity and combat corruption for the betterment of society as a whole.
Read the original article on The Times
