The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Charles Mhango, has reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to democratic governance and the rule of law on the global stage.
He led the Malawian delegation to the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting, held in the Republic of Fiji from February 9 to 13, 2026.
The high-level forum convened law ministers from across the Commonwealth to address pressing legal and constitutional challenges. Running alongside senior officials’ sessions, the meeting emphasised consensus-building and cooperation among member states.
Anchored under the theme “Anchoring Justice in a Changing Tide: Strengthening the Rule of Law for a Resilient Future,” discussions reflected the growing pressures on legal systems, including digital and AI-driven governance, climate change, transnational crime, and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
A central outcome was the unanimous adoption of the Nadi Declaration on Democratic Resilience and Participation, which places the rule of law, human rights, and good governance at the heart of democratic stability across the Commonwealth.
Contributing to the deliberations, Mhango stressed that “democratic resilience is not merely an abstract ideal, but a foundation for peace, prosperity, and inclusive development.” He noted that strong governance fosters stability and predictability, creating environments conducive to trade and investment.
He further emphasised that these principles “align perfectly with Malawi’s own national development agenda,” positioning the declaration as a practical guide for national reforms.
The declaration underscores the need to strengthen the rule of law through legal frameworks that safeguard democratic processes and electoral integrity.
Ministers called for independent and effective judiciaries, improved access to justice, and stronger legal literacy among citizens.
The Minister highlighted Malawi’s ongoing judicial reforms and expressed eagerness to leverage Commonwealth tools to monitor and track adherence to the rule of law, an approach he said would deepen public confidence in justice institutions.
Human rights and good governance also featured prominently, with commitments to stronger national mechanisms, broader participation of women, youth, marginalised groups, and persons with disabilities, and a “zero-tolerance stance on corruption” through transparency, accountability, and integrity in public institutions.
The meeting concluded with a focus on strengthening international cooperation and promoting trade and development, as Malawi prepares to translate the Nadi Declaration and the Commonwealth Strategic Plan 2025–2030 into tangible benefits for its citizens.
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