Growing international pressure is mounting on the Malawian government following violent attacks on peaceful protesters, rights activists, and journalists in Lilongwe on Thursday.
Key diplomatic missions have condemned the incident and are demanding swift investigations and concrete action to uphold democratic principles.
In a strongly worded statement, the United States Chargé d’Affaires in Malawi, Amy Diaz, condemned the violence, describing the events as sickening. She criticised the apparent failure of state security forces to protect citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
“What was particularly appalling was the failure of the Malawi Police Service and the Malawi Defence Force to carry out their duties to protect their fellow citizens. The fundamental duty of any government is to ensure that citizens can freely exercise their rights under the constitution,” said Diaz.
The U.S. condemnation was echoed in a joint statement from the British High Commission and other international missions, urging Malawian authorities to act decisively. The joint communiqué called on the government to uphold the rule of law, protect all citizens, and launch a thorough investigation into the violent incidents.
Despite growing diplomatic and public pressure, Malawi’s security agencies and government officials have yet to issue a statement more than 24 hours after the attack occurred.
The silence is drawing increasing criticism from civil society and development partners, raising questions about the state’s willingness and ability to protect democratic freedoms and ensure accountability within its security structures.
