By Burnett Munthali
Malawi has recently witnessed an alarming escalation of violence and lawlessness, as a group of thugs armed with panga knives and other dangerous weapons have been chasing and intimidating peaceful demonstrators in the heart of Lilongwe. The country is now facing a stark reminder of the increasing disregard for human rights and the state’s apparent inability to protect its citizens.
On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, as Malawians prepared for peaceful protests to voice their concerns about various national issues, a disturbing scene unfolded. Groups of men, some armed with panga knives, took to the streets with the sole purpose of terrorizing and disrupting the demonstrations. These thugs, seemingly operating with impunity, chased away those who had gathered to exercise their right to assemble peacefully. What followed was chaos, fear, and a complete breakdown of law and order.
Even more shocking was the inaction of the Malawi Police Service, which stood by as the violence unfolded. Despite being in close proximity, the police failed to intervene, leaving the demonstrators vulnerable to attacks and intimidation. This failure to protect citizens from harm raises serious questions about the commitment of the security forces to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the rights of Malawians..
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This situation is not just a reflection of the breakdown in law and order; it is a clear indication of the growing culture of impunity that has taken root in Malawi. The use of violence to suppress peaceful protests, coupled with the absence of any meaningful intervention from law enforcement, points to a dangerous trend of escalating political violence and human rights violations.
The actions of the armed thugs on November 13 are a direct assault on the fundamental rights of the Malawian people. The right to peacefully protest is enshrined in the Constitution, yet those who attempt to exercise this right are now met with violence and threats. The failure to provide protection for these peaceful protesters not only undermines democracy but also erodes the trust that Malawians have in their own government and security institutions.
Malawi stands on the edge as it heads into the 2025 elections. The increasing violence and disregard for human rights could have far-reaching consequences for the nation’s democratic processes. If the current climate of political intimidation and repression continues unchecked, it threatens to destabilize the country and leave its citizens vulnerable to further abuses.
The international community must take note of what is happening in Malawi and demand accountability from the government. Human rights organizations and concerned global actors must speak out against the escalating violence and call for an end to the impunity that allows such actions to continue.
As Malawians, we must stand together and insist on our right to peaceful protest, to speak out against injustice, and to demand that our government fulfills its duty to protect us from violence. The brutality witnessed on November 13 is not just an isolated incident but a symptom of a deeper problem that threatens to undermine the very foundation of democracy in Malawi. It is time for the government and law enforcement agencies to act decisively to protect the rights of its citizens and restore order before the country is pushed to the brink.
