The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has warned that reported plans to arrest three prominent human rights defenders over 2020 electoral justice demonstrations could threaten Malawi’s democratic space.
The coalition has called on police to clarify reports that former HRDC chairperson Timothy Mtambo, Gift Trapence and Macdonald Sembeleka are being sought in connection with the demonstrations.
In a statement dated October 13, 2026, signed by Vice-Chairperson Madalitso Banda and National Coordinator Kelvin Chirwa, HRDC said it had not independently verified the reports but described them as concerning, particularly because the case was reportedly withdrawn in October 2020.
The coalition wants the Malawi Police Service and government to explain the legal basis for any move to reopen the case and establish whether a competent court has authorised further proceedings.
“Any new action must be grounded in the law, supported by legitimate reasons and pursued through transparent judicial procedures, not driven by political considerations, retaliation or a desire to settle scores with human rights defenders,” the statement reads.
HRDC has cautioned that pursuing people over past electoral justice demonstrations could send a chilling message to civil society that speaking against those in power may attract consequences years later.
The coalition has stressed that while nobody is above the law, police powers must not be used to intimidate people who demand accountability from public officials.
It has since urged police to clarify the reports, respect due process, avoid arbitrary arrests and guarantee the safety of Mtambo, Trapence, Sembeleka and other human rights defenders who may be affected.
HRDC has also appealed to the international community, including the United Nations, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, diplomatic missions and international human rights organisations, to engage the government and monitor the situation if the reports are confirmed.
The coalition says preventive action is necessary to guard against possible intimidation or political persecution before anyone’s rights are violated.
“HRDC does not demand immunity from the law for any individual. We demand that the law be applied fairly, transparently and without political interference,” the statement reads.
The coalition has vowed to continue monitoring the matter, warning that Malawi must not return to an era in which human rights defenders are treated as enemies of the state for demanding electoral justice and accountability.
