Some weeks ago an African publication called the economist under the World Justice Project (WJP), which emphasizes on the rule of law and political participation, placed Malawi on position 5 in Africa on how she has adhered to the rule of law within the past year.

The WJP report is issued in Washington and published annually by Mo Ibrahim.It looks at governments’ openness and its powers, corruption, fundamental rights, civil and community justice as well as sustainable economic opportunity.

Principal Secretary in the ministry of Justice Dr Jane Banda, who supervises programmes of Democratic governance in the ministry, said this when 500 police officers graduated in public order management in Zomba.

“As government we are proud of the rating,” she said.

“It displays that the world out there is able to appreciate the effort we are putting in making sure that the rule of law is benefiting Malawians.”

She said Malawi, in conjunction with the European commission under the programmes of democratic governance, has intensified programmes aimed at making Malawians aware of their rights.

She said the country will try to get a better rating next year.

“We are aiming at getting an even better rating next year and so far the journey looks good,” said Banda.

Director for Justice Link Justin Dzonzi was in the assessing team and said Malawi has done well in areas of police performance, detention cases and political prosecutions.

“You can agree with me that different groups in the country have been allowed to demonstrate without government interference as well as the respect of rights for suspects,” he said.

The report which involved 18 African countries put Botswana first on the continent followed by Ghana, Republic of South Africa and Senegal.

On the world scale, Malawi is on position 61 out of 102 countries the report assessed.