A directive issued by the Office of the President and Cabinet dated 14 April 2026 has ordered the secondment of the Chief Executive Officer of the NGO Regulatory Authority (NGORA), Dr. Felix Lombe, to the Malawi College of Accountancy (MCA) to serve as a lecturer. The letter, signed by the Chief Secretary, indicates that the decision was made in line with public service regulations and requires immediate implementation.
The redeployment has raised concerns among civil society actors, as NGORA is the statutory body mandated to regulate and oversee NGOs in Malawi. The abrupt removal of its CEO, without clear public justification, has triggered fears about the independence and stability of the institution.
In parallel, there are emerging reports within civil society circles suggesting that a politically affiliated individual may be considered for appointment to the position. While this has not been officially confirmed, such a development, if realized, could further heighten concerns regarding the politicisation of NGO regulation mechanisms.
Civil society organisations, including CONGOMA, are closely monitoring the situation and engaging relevant stakeholders to ensure that the governance and independence of NGORA are preserved. The developments pose potential risks to the integrity of the regulatory environment for civil society in Malawi.