Who We Are

Citizen Alliance (CA) is a coalition of civil society organizations and citizen groups established in 2012 as a citizen-led engagement initiative on development and governance processes. The organization is registered under the laws of Malawi as a company limited by guaranteed and operates in all the districts through Citizen Forums (CFs). CA was established against a background of increased poverty, worsening corruption and continued exclusion of marginalized groups such women, youth and persons with disabilities in decision making. Despite the improved legal and policy environment following the transition to multiparty democracy, majority of citizens are yet to benefit from the democratic promise including the decentralization programme.

Citizens remain less engaged in development and governance processes giving room to abuse of office and public funds by duty-bearers and decision makers. The widening gap between the few rich and majority poor is a product of inequitable distribution of resources and corruption, which have left vulnerable groups such as women, youth, children and persons with disabilities helpless and vulnerable. The CA journey seeks to intervene by empowering citizens to actively participate in development and governance processes through enhancing social accountability, capacity building and advocacy.