Civil Society Groups Protest Deregistration of 36 NGOs in Malawi

Seven civil society organisations in Malawi have expressed their concern over the deregistration of 36 non-governmental organisations, including the Human Rights Defenders Coalition. The organisations, which include the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace and Youth and Society, have given the NGO Regulatory Authority 14 days to rescind its decision. They argue that the deregistration raises concerns about procedural fairness and compliance with applicable laws.

The NGO Regulatory Authority deregistered the 36 organisations on November 5, 2026, citing alleged failure to comply with the NGO Act. According to the authority, some of the organisations, including the Human Rights Defenders Coalition, had not submitted their 2023 financial reports. The coalition's chairperson, Michael Kaiyatsa, however, said the organisation had provided explanations that were not considered by the authority.

The civil society organisations that protested the deregistration argue that it should be a measure of last resort, particularly for NGOs facing financial difficulties and institutional challenges. They believe that the deregistration has far-reaching implications for institutional continuity and freedom of association. The organisations have expressed their concerns in a letter dated November 7, 2026.

The Human Rights Defenders Coalition has sued the NGO Regulatory Authority over its deregistration. The coalition's chairperson, Michael Kaiyatsa, said the organisation decided to settle the matter in court. The authority's spokesperson, Laston Chinkuzu, said the matter is currently in court and they will wait for the outcome.

The NGO Regulatory Authority's decision to deregister the 36 organisations has sparked debate among stakeholders. The Council for NGOs in Malawi's chief executive officer, Ronald Mtonga, asked for more time to provide details about the stance of the Council on the matter. The authority's records showed that some of the deregistered organisations had not submitted their financial reports as required by the NGO Act.

The protesting civil society organisations include the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, Youth and Society, National Anti-Corruption Alliance, Livingstonia Synod Church and Society, NGO-Gender Coordinating Network, Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency, and the Nyika Institute. They have expressed their concerns about the impact of the deregistration on civil society in Malawi.

The NGO Regulatory Authority's decision to deregister the 36 organisations has raised concerns about the sustainability of civil society in Malawi. The protesting organisations have called for the authority to reconsider its decision and engage with the affected organisations. The matter is currently in court, and stakeholders are waiting for the outcome.

Key points

• The deregistration of the 36 NGOs has sparked debate among stakeholders about procedural fairness and freedom of association.
• The Human Rights Defenders Coalition has sued the NGO Regulatory Authority over its deregistration.
• The protesting organisations have given the NGO Regulatory Authority 14 days to rescind its decision.