Democracy, donors and dependency: the rises and falls of non-governmental and civil society organizations’ agency in Malawi opposition politics, 1992 - 2017

Since 1994, the Malawi's political landscape has been dominated by 'chameleon politics', with political parties driven more by 'strong-man' personalities and patronage than ideology. Presidents use patronage to keep the opposition weak and divided. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations (CSOs), whose stated aims are 'developmental' and 'human rights' have played a significant role in 'political opposition' at key points since 1992. Under the umbrella of the Public Affairs Committee, CSOs/NGOs helped to birth a multiparty formation in Malawi, an activity which continued with their helping to thwart Muluzi's 'third term' attempt in 1999 and helping Mutharika's first term (2004 – 2009) 'deliver' significant 'developmental gains'. After 2009, when Mutharika reverted to Bandaesque authoritarianism, NGOs and CSOs were a significant part of the disparate elements that coalesced into a loose 'opposition' movement, culminating in the mass demonstrations on 20 July 2011, when 19 protestors died, shot dead by riot police. This was arguably the height of NGO/CSO power in relation to the government. Since that event CSO/NGO powers of agency against the state have waxed and waned, mostly waned. When President Bingu wa Mutharika suffered a fatal heart attack, NGOs/CSOs supported constitutionalism and enabled Joyce Banda to become president. Since then the 'political' agency of NGOs/CSOs in relation to the government has largely lain dormant until younger CSO leaders have started using the law on behalf of civil society. We trace the rise and fall of NGO/CSOs agency since 1992 and outline some of the related factors and challenges.