Sharp Focus: Stand for law, order — Malawi must reject political violence, uphold Constitution

The resurgence of political violence involving alleged Malawi Congress Party (MCP) panga-wielding thugs is a disturbing reminder that democracy cannot co-exist with intimidation, lawlessness, and fear.

Reports of these thugs threatening police prosecutors during court proceedings expose a deep culture of political impunity that undermines Malawi’s rule of law.

In a viral video, the suspects issue chilling threats to police officers, questioning their loyalty to justice rather than political interests.

Such acts erode confidence in law enforcement and strike at the heart of Malawi’s democracy.

The rule of law is the foundation of a nation — and when shaken by violence, the nation itself trembles.

Upholding Malawi Police for courage, resilience

The Malawi Police Service deserves praise for arresting these thugs despite intimidation and political pressure. Their courage sends a clear message — that no one is above the law.

Section 12(1)(b) of the Constitution affirms that all authority derives from the people and must serve their interests.

The police, as guardians of law and order, are duty-bound to uphold this principle without fear or favour.

Those arrested must face justice. The rule of law must always rise above political loyalty.

If found guilty, offenders must be punished to deter others who believe political affiliation offers immunity.

No political leader or supporter should feel entitled to threaten law enforcement.

Section 44(1) reminds all Malawians that rights and freedoms must operate within democracy, justice, and public order.

Condemnation of MCP Political Thuggery

Human rights activist and former Malawi Defence Force officer Chimwemwe “Ntchindi” Mhango rightly condemned the MCP-linked thugs for their disgraceful behaviour. His voice represents many Malawians tired of political violence disguised as activism.

Freedom of expression is protected by the Constitution — but it does not grant anyone the right to intimidate or threaten others. Democracy thrives through dialogue, not pangas.

The MCP must take full responsibility for its supporters’ conduct.

Leadership means accountability, not silence. It’s not enough to issue statements distancing the party from violence; there must be visible disciplinary action and full cooperation with law enforcement.

Those involved must face justice without political interference. Malawians fought too hard for democracy to tolerate a return to intimidation politics.

Accountability for Security Lapses

While police officers have acted courageously in some cases, others have failed the nation.

The brutal attack on activist Sylvester Namiwa, witnessed by both police and Malawi Defence Force (MDF) officers who did nothing, remains a stain on Malawi’s democracy.

Likewise, the Mponela Officer-in-Charge, who ignored citizens that were attacked in Mponela while travelling from Ntchisi to Lilongwe and sought refuge at the police station but received no help, must face disciplinary action.Section 15(1) of the Constitution demands that all organs of the state respect and uphold human rights.

Officers who failed to act violated this constitutional duty and must be investigated and charged for negligence.Public service demands accountability.

No one in uniform should ever be a spectator to violence. Silence in such moments is betrayal.

Call for Professionalism and Patriotism

Uniformed officers and political supporters must learn from these events. Violence and intimidation have no place in Malawi’s politics, just as cowardice has no place in its security services.

Police and soldiers must remember that their loyalty belongs to the Republic — not to individuals or political parties. Their role is to enforce the law impartially.

Section 153(1) defines the Malawi Police Service as an independent organ of the executive charged with protecting public safety and human rights. It must remain neutral and professional.

Political parties should discipline their followers and ensure freedom of expression is exercised peacefully.

Democracy grows through debate, not confrontation. Disagreement is an opportunity for dialogue, not violence.

Cabinet Appointments and the Constitution 

Respect for the Constitution must also extend to presidential powers. Section 92(2) gives the President authority to appoint ministers and deputies to help run government.

Criticism of these appointments should be fair and constitutional. Under Section 42(2)(f), every citizen — including public officials — is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The Malawi Law Society’s concerns over appointing individuals facing charges are valid, but such issues belong in court, not social media. If the appointees perform responsibly and transparently, their service will speak louder than speculation.

Public officers should be judged by their current performance, not past allegations.

Selective Outrage Weakens Democracy 

A major problem in Malawi’s politics is selective outrage — where reactions depend on who is in power. When MCP-linked thugs commit crimes, some remain silent; yet the same people shout loudly when others do the same.

This double standard erodes the credibility of activists and political players. Justice must be impartial and consistent. Section 9 of the Constitution directs the Judiciary to ensure that justice is administered without fear or favour.

Every Malawian deserves equal protection before the law, regardless of political colour. Selective justice only deepens division and impunity.

 Call to Rebuild National Unity

Malawi stands at a crossroads — between the promise of democracy and the threat of regression. Violence, politicized justice, and weak discipline point to a nation in need of renewal.

President Peter Mutharika’s recent cabinet appointments present an opportunity for renewal and constitutional continuity. Instead of focusing on personalities, Malawians should focus on results — food security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic recovery.

If new ministers serve with honesty and diligence, public trust will be restored. But this can only happen through faithful adherence to the Constitution and service to the people.

 Conclusion: Choosing Law over violence

Malawi’s democracy will not survive on slogans or partisan loyalty, but through unwavering commitment to law and order.

Political violence and selective justice have no place in a democratic nation. The police must be supported to enforce the law without fear or interference.

Political parties must discipline their members, while the military and police must remember that silence in the face of violence is complicity.

As Section 13(l) directs, the State and its institutions must promote peace, unity, and rule of law.

Malawi must not tolerate violence or intimidation. Every leader, officer, and citizen must defend the Constitution and protect our democracy from those who seek to destroy it through fear.

Only through discipline and justice can Malawi truly move forward.