The NGO Regulatory Authority (Ngora) in Malawi has deregistered the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) due to failure to submit audited financial statements and annual returns for three consecutive years. Ngora spokesperson Laston Chinkudzu confirmed the deregistration, stating that HRDC can no longer operate as an NGO. This decision affects 36 NGOs that have been deregistered for non-compliance with statutory requirements under the Non-Governmental Organizations Act and Non-Governmental Amendment Act of 2022.
The deregistration of HRDC comes as the organization prepares to stage nationwide demonstrations on November 17, demanding the resignation of Energy Minister Jean Mathanga over persistent fuel shortages and electricity blackouts. HRDC chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa said the coalition would challenge the decision in court, insisting that cancellation of its NGO registration would not stop it from operating as a civil society organisation (CSO). Kaiyatsa described the decision as not surprising, citing previous efforts to frustrate HRDC's work.
According to Ngora, HRDC failed to submit audited accounts and annual returns for 2023, 2024, and 2025, as well as notify the regulator of changes to its board and governance structure. The authority granted HRDC an extension to July 31, 2026, but the organization still failed to comply. Ngora rejected HRDC's explanation that it had no funding in 2024 and that its activities and finances were reported through the Centre for the Development of People (Cedep).
University of Malawi political scientist Boniface Dulani said the law should take its course if HRDC had failed to meet its statutory obligations, but regretted the loss of an organisation significant to Malawi's civic and political landscape. Dulani warned that the decision could fuel perceptions that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration was targeting HRDC in retaliation for its role in the 2019 protests.
National Advocacy Platform chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said cancellation of HRDC's NGO registration did not automatically extinguish its separate legal personality under the Trustees Incorporation Act or Companies Act. HRDC rose to national prominence after the May 21, 2019 Tripartite Elections, when the Malawi Electoral Commission declared DPP presidential candidate Peter Mutharika the winner.
The coalition organised nationwide protests demanding the resignation of then Malawi Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Jane Ansah over alleged electoral irregularities. Ansah is now Malawi's First Vice President after winning alongside President Peter Mutharika last year. Kaiyatsa added that the November 17 demonstrations will proceed as planned.
HRDC will continue as a civil society organisation to represent Malawians, including exercising its freedom of association and assembly. The organization is consulting its lawyers and plans to challenge the deregistration decision in court.
Key points
- HRDC's deregistration affects its ability to operate as an NGO and receive donor funding.
- The organization plans to challenge the decision in court and continue as a civil society organisation.
- The deregistration has raised concerns about the government's intentions and potential targeting of HRDC.
