By Burnett Munthali
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Director of Youth, Norman Chisale, has expressed deep concern over the Malawi Police Service’s delay in concluding investigations into the violent incidents that took place at Mbowe in Lilongwe earlier this year. The February attack, which left several DPP members injured, has been a subject of ongoing scrutiny, but eight months later, no conclusive action has been taken by the authorities.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe, Chisale described the delay as “worrisome” and questioned the commitment of the police to ensuring justice for the victims. He criticized the Malawi Police Service for dragging its feet on the matter, despite the DPP having submitted the names of those allegedly responsible for the attack. Chisale stressed that the party had cooperated fully with law enforcement agencies by providing the necessary information, including names of suspects involved in the violence, but was yet to see meaningful progress.
“It is unacceptable that, eight months after this violent attack on our members, the police are still silent on the matter. We have been patient and fully cooperated with the authorities, submitting names and details of those who participated in the violence. We are demanding that the Inspector General of Police takes immediate action,” Chisale said.
The February violence at Mbowe, which occurred during a DPP political gathering, resulted in injuries to several party supporters. The incident, believed to have been politically motivated, has since sparked calls for stronger action against political violence in the country. Opposition parties and civil society organizations have repeatedly criticized the government for what they view as selective justice when it comes to prosecuting perpetrators of violence, particularly when victims are members of the opposition.
Norman Chisale further noted that the DPP has now given the Inspector General of Police two days to address the issue. The party insists that the police should provide an update on the progress of the investigation or take immediate steps to apprehend the suspects, whom Chisale claims are known to the authorities.
“We cannot allow this culture of impunity to continue. Political violence must be condemned and punished, regardless of which party the victims or the perpetrators belong to. The DPP has done its part by submitting the names of the culprits, and now we expect the police to do theirs. We are giving the Inspector General two days to take action, or we will be forced to escalate this matter through legal means,” Chisale warned.
The delay in resolving this case has reignited concerns about the impartiality of the Malawi Police Service, with some DPP members accusing the authorities of deliberately stalling the investigation to shield the perpetrators, who are believed to be affiliated with the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
While the police have yet to comment on the matter, public frustration is growing over the lack of transparency and progress in this and other politically motivated cases. Political violence has been a persistent problem in Malawi, and incidents such as the Mbowe attack have further deepened political divisions.
Civil society organizations have also weighed in on the matter, urging the police to expedite the investigation and ensure that justice is served. “Political violence threatens our democracy. It is imperative that law enforcement agencies act swiftly to investigate and prosecute those responsible,” said a spokesperson for the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR).
As the deadline approaches for the Inspector General to respond to the DPP’s demands, the country waits to see if this case will finally be resolved, or if it will become yet another example of the challenges Malawi faces in dealing with political violence and selective justice.
Burnett Munthali is a political analyst and writer for Maravi Post, focusing on legal and political developments in Malawi.
Youth empowerment in action: Judith Msusa applauds success of Business Acceleration for Youth Project By Burnett Munthali, November The Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth, Judith Msusa, has expressed her satisfaction with the impact of the Business Acceleration for Youth (BAY) project, describing it as a transformative initiative for empowering Malawian youth economically. Msusa commended the project during a visit to some grant beneficiaries who have successfully turned their ventures into thriving enterprises. Speaking during her visit, Msusa lauded the program for equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to enhance their livelihoods. "The government is impressed with the youth who, through this initiative, have been able to increase their revenue streams. This not only enables them to live decent lives but also positions them as job creators for their peers," she said. Msusa emphasized the project's role in fostering a generation of self-reliant, innovative, and economically active young people. Adding to Msusa's sentiments, David Slane, Chief of Party for the project, expressed his own delight at the progress made. "It’s rewarding to see these young individuals demonstrating tangible successes as a result of this support. They are living proof of what is possible when young people are given the right opportunities and resources," said Slane. The three-year BAY project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is being implemented by the Alliance of Biodiversity International and the Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). Focused on the districts of Zomba, Balaka, Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, Machinga, and Mangochi, the project aims to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among youth by providing grants, mentorship, and technical assistance. During the visit, several beneficiaries shared their inspiring stories of transformation. One of them, a poultry farmer from Mangochi, recounted how the project’s financial and technical support helped her scale her business, enabling her to employ two additional workers. Another young entrepreneur in Zomba, specializing in agro-processing, highlighted how mentorship from the project helped him navigate market challenges and significantly increase his revenue. These testimonials reflect the project's profound impact on communities. Beyond financial gains, the BAY initiative is helping youth build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose, all of which are critical for sustaining long-term economic growth. As Malawi grapples with high unemployment rates among the youth, the BAY project stands out as a beacon of hope. With continued support from USAID and partners, the initiative could serve as a model for youth empowerment not only in Malawi but across the region. Msusa’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to supporting programs that align with its broader vision of reducing poverty and unemployment. "The youth are the backbone of our nation," Msusa concluded. "Projects like BAY remind us of their untapped potential and the immense possibilities that emerge when we invest in them strategically." The success of the BAY project serves as a testament to the power of collaboration between government, development partners, and the private sector in addressing pressing societal challenges.
