CFE hosted a consultative meeting with Malawian journalists and civil society organisations (CSOs) to kick off its work in that country. The meeting was held in collaboration with Youth and Society (YAS) and the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) on 29 February 2024 in Lilongwe.

As the 2025 Malawi General Elections draw closer, the purpose of the meeting was to identify the most pressing issues we need to engage with and strengthen the networks within free media and civil society to deal with the surge in freedom of expression issues and violations. A particular concern was the number of Strategic Litigations Against Public Participation (SLAPPs – legal action aimed at silencing journalists and other critics) and freedom of expression issues that hinder and challenge their work in the country. The meeting heard direct testimony from journalists on harassment. See a full report below: