Malawi MP Malondera Elected AFROPAC Chair: Warns Executive on Oversight

• Steven Baba Malondera Kamsiyamo, a Malawian MP, was elected chairperson of the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC) for a four-year term.
• He warned executive branches across Africa against obstructing parliamentary oversight and called for an end to intimidation of Public Accounts Committees.
• Malondera asserted that public money belongs to the people, not governments, and audit reports must lead to justice and change.
• He advocated for a stronger, better-resourced AFROPAC Secretariat, including a French-speaking professional, to ensure inclusivity.
• AFROPAC, established in 2013, unites parliamentary public accounts committees across Africa to strengthen financial oversight.

Furthermore, Malondera highlighted that public funds are not the property of governments but belong to the citizenry, citing examples such as farmers, market traders, schoolchildren, and hospital patients.

Steven Baba Malondera Kamsiyamo, a Member of Parliament from Malawi, has been elected to lead the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC). The election took place on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, during the organization's 6th Annual General Meeting and Conference, held at the Alisa Hotel. Representing the Lilongwe Nyanja Constituency, Malondera will now serve a four-year term as AFROPAC chairperson.

In his inaugural address, the newly appointed AFROPAC chair issued a clear warning to executive branches across the African continent, cautioning against any actions that might impede parliamentary oversight. He underscored the critical role of Public Accounts Committees (PACs) in ensuring financial probity and accountability. This leadership transition signals a renewed emphasis on the robust scrutiny of public funds and governmental operations throughout Africa.

Malondera articulated a firm stance on the necessity of parliamentary oversight, asserting that the act of questioning is not rebellion, nor is demanding accountability an act of hostility. He emphasized that scrutinizing public expenditure should not be misconstrued as an attempt to undermine governmental authority. His remarks directly challenged any attempts to suppress the work of Public Accounts Committees.

The Malawian MP explicitly called for an end to intimidation and obstruction directed at these vital oversight bodies. He urged governments to refrain from frustrating investigations or transforming accountability processes into political battlegrounds. Furthermore, Malondera highlighted that public funds are not the property of governments but belong to the citizenry, citing examples such as farmers, market traders, schoolchildren, and hospital patients. He insisted that audit reports must be actively utilized as instruments for justice, correction, and change, rather than being left to gather dust. He concluded by stating that Africa does not need more promises about public resources; instead, it needs proof that its resources are working for its people.

Beyond his immediate calls for accountability, the new AFROPAC chairperson outlined his vision for the organization's future, advocating for a more robust and adequately resourced Secretariat. A key proposal included the appointment of a French-speaking professional to the staff, aiming to ensure that the organization's French-speaking members feel an equal sense of ownership and inclusion within the institution. This initiative reflects a commitment to continental unity and operational effectiveness.

Malondera also reflected on his personal journey within AFROPAC, recalling his first engagement as an ordinary committee member of Malawi's Public Accounts Committee in Liberia in 2022. He acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Medard Lubega Sseggona of Uganda, paying tribute to the outgoing chairperson. While expressing national pride for Malawi's role, he affirmed his dedication to serving the entire African family, not just his home nation, stating his election was to serve AFROPAC and the continent.

Steven Baba Malondera Kamsiyamo brings a wealth of experience to his new role. A graduate of the University of Malawi, he currently chairs Malawi's Public Accounts Committee and serves as the Director of Youth for the Malawi Congress Party. His prior regional involvement includes a tenure as Treasurer-General for the Southern Africa Development Community Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (SADCOPAC), further solidifying his credentials in parliamentary oversight across Africa.

The African Organisation of Public Accounts Committees itself was established on September 2, 2013, in Arusha, Tanzania. Its foundational purpose is to unite parliamentary public accounts committees from across the African continent, fostering collaboration and strengthening their collective capacity for financial oversight. Malondera's election as AFROPAC chairperson is poised to significantly influence the trajectory of parliamentary oversight Africa-wide, reinforcing the importance of public accounts committees Africa in ensuring transparent and responsible governance.

Compliance officers and legal counsel advising entities engaged in public sector contracts or receiving public funds across Africa should anticipate increased scrutiny from Public Accounts Committees, as the new AFROPAC chair emphasizes stronger parliamentary oversight and accountability for public expenditure. This signals a potential shift towards more rigorous enforcement of financial regulations and transparency requirements.

Source: Original reporting via Nyasa Times