Justice Minister Titus Mvalo is optimistic of efficiency, enhanced transparency and accountability in the justice delivery system following the launch of the 17 Million Euros Chilungamo II project in partnership with the European Union (EU).

Speaking at the launch Wednesday night Lilongwe, Mvalo said the second phase of the program will help address systemic challenges in access to justice and enhance the capacity of key justice institutions.

“The program will help address systemic challenges in access to justice and enhance the capacity of key justice institutions, the rule of law is crucial for building confidence in the government and driving social economic development in the country,” he said.

The Minister further hailed the exiting Chilungamo I project.

He added that the judicial system in place will allow individuals to petition the court through a digital platform, with judge selection being automated, thereby eliminating incidents of judge shopping.

“We have so far progressed well with implementation of the programme through the support of all implementing partners namely; the Judiciary, the Malawi Human Rights Commission, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Legal Aid Bureau, Malawi Police Service, Malawi Prison Service and Ministry of Justice,” Mvalo said.

Earlier, Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda hailed the first phase of the project citing increased court space construction of court houses in rural areas giving access to justice for rural masses.

EU Ambassador to Malawi, Rune Skinnebach, said the new project will support the development of relevant laws, policies and institutional reforms to improve justice service delivery and enforcement mechanisms while building people’s confidence in the system.

“It’s supporting not only the justice system, but also the access to justice, in a way, supporting both the demand and the supply side. It gives access for the least privileged Malawians. It gives trust in the system. It holds the system accountable, and it strengthens the delivery of judiciary to Malawians,” he said.

(Additional reporting by Pempho Kantayeni-MANA.)

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