Karonga leaders, CSOs oppose planned HRDC protests over Chiweta – Karonga Road

Traditional leaders and civil society organisations (CSOs) in Karonga have strongly opposed planned demonstrations by the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), warning that they will not permit a repeat of the violence and destruction that accompanied previous protests in the district.

The demonstrations, scheduled for July 1, are intended to pressure the government into rehabilitating the deteriorating Chiweta-Karonga Road, a vital transport corridor that has long been a source of concern for residents, motorists, and businesses in northern Malawi.

Speaking during a media briefing in Karonga, Paramount Chief Kyungu of Karonga and Chitipa said local leaders fully support efforts to have the road rehabilitated but disagree with the approach being adopted by HRDC.

The Paramount Chief expressed concern that the planned protests could trigger unrest similar to that experienced during the 2019 demonstrations, which resulted in damage to public infrastructure and disrupted economic activities.

“We cannot allow our communities to relive what happened in 2019. While the poor condition of the road is a legitimate concern, there are more constructive ways of engaging the government without risking violence and destruction,” he said.

The Chief also questioned the motives behind the planned demonstrations, alleging that some individuals may be attempting to exploit the road issue for political gain.

According to the chief, the road has remained in a deplorable condition for many years, raising questions about why the coalition has only now decided to mobilise residents around the matter.

“This road problem did not begin yesterday. We believe some people are taking advantage of the situation for political reasons. We will not allow our people to be misled,” he said.

The sentiments were echoed by the Karonga Civil Society Organisations Network, whose chairperson, Edgar Phiri, said local stakeholders favour constructive engagement with authorities over demonstrations and road blockades.

Phiri said CSOs in the district have been engaging government officials and the Roads Authority on the need to rehabilitate the road and intend to continue pursuing dialogue as their primary strategy.

“We support all efforts aimed at ensuring the rehabilitation of the Chiweta-Karonga Road, but we do not support demonstrations or road blockades. Our focus remains on engagement and dialogue because we believe these are the most effective means of achieving sustainable solutions,” he said.

The Chiweta-Karonga Road has become one of the most pressing infrastructure challenges in northern Malawi.

Motorists, transport operators, and residents have repeatedly complained about its deteriorating condition, saying it has increased travel times, raised transport costs, and posed significant safety risks.

HRDC has announced plans to stage demonstrations to demand urgent government intervention, arguing that delays in rehabilitating the road have negatively affected economic activity and the daily lives of people who depend on the route.

However, growing opposition from traditional leaders and local civil society groups has set the stage for a potential standoff ahead of the planned protests, with stakeholders divided over the most effective way to push for improvements to the strategically important road.