Group photograph of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee members
The Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee (CJCC) convened a strategic meeting on Thursday, 15 May 2025, in Lilongwe to review and refine a roadmap outlining the duties and responsibilities of key stakeholders in the criminal justice sector.
Chaired by the Judiciary, the meeting brought together representatives from the Malawi Legal Aid Bureau, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Immigration Department, the Law Commission, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Solicitor General’s Office, and the Malawi Police Service. The Legal Aid Bureau was represented by Acting Director, Chimwemwe Chithope-Mwale.
Delivering the keynote address, Honourable Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda, SC, underscored the significance of the CJCC in enhancing coordination and collaboration among justice sector institutions. He noted that the committee, originally established under the first phase of the European Union-funded Chilungamo Programme, plays a vital role in driving efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness within the criminal justice system.
“Without collaboration, stakeholders in the justice sector often resort to a blame game, which ultimately disadvantages those who rely on us for the delivery of justice,” said Chief Justice Mzikamanda.
A representative from the European Union also attended the meeting and expressed optimism that the revised roadmap would define a clear direction for how the Chilungamo Programme 2 can effectively bolster justice sector coordination.
The CJCC’s core mandate includes identifying research areas that address systemic challenges, mobilizing support to strengthen Court Users Committees and Community Service Officers, piloting new legal procedures and rules, and monitoring the overall delivery of justice.
Supported through the Chilungamo Programme 2 and other funding streams, the CJCC will continue its work through a dedicated Technical Committee composed of representatives from its member institutions. The committee is expected to spearhead the implementation of strategies aimed at enhancing justice service delivery across the country.
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