Planned peaceful protests in Lilongwe turned violent on Thursday after unidentified machete-wielding assailants attacked demonstrators and vandalized property, including torching a minibus, while Malawi Police Service and Malawi Defence Force (MDF) officers reportedly stood by and watched.
The demonstrations, organised by Citizens for Credible Elections (CfCE), were aimed at pressing for the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja and chief elections officer Andrew Mpesi over alleged incompetence.
The protestors had assembled at Lilongwe Community Ground when suddenly, a group of thugs appeared armed with pangas and began attacking people, causing panic and injury. Several vehicles, including a minibus believed to have ferried protestors, were vandalized, one was later set ablaze.
What has shocked many Malawians, however, is the apparent inaction by law enforcement officers who were present at the scene. Videos circulating on social media show Malawi Police and MDF officers observing as the attacks unfolded without intervening.
One of CfCE’s leaders, Sylvester Namiwa, visibly shaken in one video, is heard confronting the officers: “Are you serious Malawi has reached this far? Police officers you are here, MDF you are here, what are you doing?”
This is not the first time that peaceful protests in Lilongwe have been marred by violence and intimidation. In previous demonstrations such as those led by human rights groups and opposition parties, similar patterns have emerged, where unidentified groups have violently disrupted gatherings in the presence of security forces who failed to act.
Ironically, the violence comes just days after Malawi Police Service Inspector General Merlyn Yolamu assured stakeholders at a Public Affairs Committee (PAC) meeting in Blantyre that such incidents would not be allowed to happen again.
Yolamu emphasized the police’s commitment to safeguarding the constitutional right to peaceful protest and promised that officers would act professionally to prevent any form of violence or intimidation during demonstrations.
