Malawi's Corruption Monitor Arrests Cabinet Minister, Two Other Officials over Fuel Deals

BLANTRYE, MALAWI - Malawi's Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested the energy minister and two other officials for alleged corruption involving a state oil contract. Political analysts said the arrests show Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera's anti-corruption drive is targeting more than just the former ruling party.

Malawi Energy Minister Newton Kambala has been arrested along with presidential adviser Chris Chaima Banda, and Enock Chihana, a partner in the governing Tonse Alliance. Martha Chizuma is the director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, or ACB. She told a televised press conference the arrests Monday stem from investigations into complaints from the National Oil Company of Malawi, or NOCMA, about interference in awarding of contracts to fuel suppliers. “The other part of this investigation was alleged serious political interference and some corrupt practices in the procurement process," Chizuma said. "And there is a recommendation that there must be prosecution of those that were allegedly involved.”