Malawi Law Society signs a Memorandum of Understanding with MANEPO
On 6th January, 2023 the MLS signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with The Malawi Network for Older Persons’ Organizations (MANEPO), a consortium of Civil Society Organisations that fight for and promote the rights of the older persons in Malawi. The MoU was signed at Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel by Patrick Mpaka and Andrew Kavala as Chairperson and Director of the MLS and MANEPO respectively. The purpose of the agreement is to develop advocacy and programme cooperation between the two institutions and to cooperate in their mutual interest for the benefit of older adults in Malawi.
Under the MoU and subject to the availability of funds and resources the two institutions agreed to collaborate, develop or implement programmes and/or activities, individually or jointly, in the following areas: (a) Research and/or training, (b) Joint grant application, (c) Advocacy and lobbying and (d) Exchange of information. To demonstrate their mutual interest, on 3rd January, 2023 a few days before the signing of the MoU, the two institutions released a joint statement condemning rising incidents of abuse of order persons over allegations of witchcraft. The statement was released following the brutal killing of Maggie Nyengani of Opeliwa Village, Traditional Authority Nazombe in Phalombe District over witchcraft allegations. The incident took place on 1st January, 2023. She was aged 72 years.