1. The Role of CSOs in the UNCAC & its Implementation Review Mechanismby
Reyneck Matemba
Anti-Corruption Bureau
MALAWI
Saly, Senegal, 8th – 11th May, 2018

2. Outline of Presentation
 Background
ACB’s mandate
ACB’s engagement with CSOs
Good practices in involving CSOs in the fight against corruption
Measures taken by Government (ACB) after 1st cycle review
Good practices & Lessons learnt in the 1st cycle

3. Background ACB is a Government Department
Established under section 4 of the Corrupt Practices Act
To promote principles of democracy i.e. good governance through promotion of accountability, transparency and financial probity in both public and private institutions

4. ACB’S Mandate (3-prolonged Approach)
Overview of Major Activities
Corruption Prevention Section
Review of Systems & Procedures
Development of Corruption Prevention instruments
Monitoring of Government Programs
Sensitization activities
Public Education section
Public Rallies
Anti-Corruption Clubs
National Anti-Corruption Day
Investigations & Prosecution
Investigations of suspected Corrupt Practices
Prosecution of suspected Corrupt Practices

5. ACB’s Engagement with CSOs
CSOs form one of the eight pillars identified in our National Anti-Corruption Strategy as very critical in the fight against corruption
ACB has entered into a number of MoUs with several CSOs, especially those whose mandate relates to rule of law and governance

6. ACB’s Engagement with CSOs (cont/…)
ACB takes on board CSOs in the implementation of our anti-corruption activities
Implementation of joint projects
Engage (consult) CSOs in the formulation and review of anti-corruption legislation, policies and strategies (i.e. stakeholder consultations)

7. Good practices in involving CSOs in the fight against corruption
CSOs play a watchdog role in the fight against corruption (i.e. demanding transparency in Government’s implementation of projects, and accountability in the expenditure of public resources - checks and balances).
CSOs lobby for the enforcement or fulfillment of Government’s obligations under international legal instruments (e.g. under the UNCAC)

8. Good practices in involving CSOs in the fight against corruption (cont/…)
CSOs lobby for the amendment of anti-corruption legislation and implementation of other anti-corruption measures
CSOs demand and fight for the independence of oversight and governance institutions (ACB, DPP, Auditor General, FIA, etc)

9. Measures taken by Government (ACB) after first cycle review
Establishment of an asset recovery unit (for ACB & DPP)
Enactment of a new money laundering law (i.e. the Financial Crimes Act, replacing the MLPC&TL Act)
Establishment of a Forensics Investigation Laboratory in the ACB
Trained more officers in money laundering and forensics investigations

10. Good practices & Lessons learnt in the 1st cycle
Need to involve CSOs in all the stages of the review process
Sharing of information, collaboration/ coordination between ACB and CSOs in the review process brings transparency in the review process

11. Good practices & Lessons learnt in the 1st cycle (cont/…)
CSOs involvement in the review process ensures credibility of the product (i.e. Country Report)
CSOs involvement ensures ownership of the Country Report

12. Thank You For Your Attention