By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Police Service (MPS) is under heavy criticism following reports that officers stood idly by as masked armed men disrupted protests in Lilongwe on Wednesday. The demonstrations, organized to demand action on electoral concerns ahead of the 2025 General Elections, were violently disrupted, with attackers targeting peaceful protesters.
Witness accounts and video evidence suggest that police officers, who were present at the scene, failed to intervene as the attackers carried out their assaults. This has drawn widespread condemnation from civil society organizations, religious groups, and human rights advocates.
Calls for accountability
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the events. In a statement, MHRC Chairperson Scader Louis emphasized the importance of impartial policing, particularly during politically charged moments, and called on MPS to ensure the safety of all citizens regardless of their political affiliations.
“You cannot have a democratic society where law enforcement watches as masked men wield weapons to attack protesters exercising their constitutional rights,” she said.
Youth and Society (YAS) and the National Advocacy Platform (NAP) echoed these sentiments, stressing that the MPS must address the perception of partisanship and regain public trust.
Charles Kajoloweka, Executive Director of YAS, said: “What we witnessed is a breach of the police’s duty to protect. This raises serious questions about the independence and professionalism of our law enforcement agencies.”
Religious institutions speak out
The CCAP Blantyre Synod’s Church and Society Programme also condemned the violence, describing the police’s inaction as a betrayal of the nation’s democratic principles. Programme Coordinator Moses Mkandawire called for the Inspector General of Police to issue a public apology and commit to reforms ensuring such incidents are not repeated.
“Malawians have the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. This is a cornerstone of our democracy, and it is unacceptable for the police to fail in their mandate to protect protesters from harm,” he said.
Political analysts weigh in
Political analysts have described the incident as a dark day for democracy in Malawi. They argue that the police’s failure to act signals a dangerous precedent ahead of the 2025 elections, where tensions are likely to be high.
One commentator, who preferred anonymity, said: “If the police cannot be trusted to protect citizens during peaceful protests, how can we expect a fair and secure electoral process? This is a wake-up call for Malawians.”
Demands for action
Civil society organizations and individuals have issued the following demands to the Malawi Police Service:
Firstly, identify and prosecute the masked attackers and any officers who failed to perform their duties.
Secondly, implement measures to ensure impartiality and professionalism in policing, particularly during politically sensitive events.
Thirdly, the Inspector General must issue a statement assuring Malawians that the MPS will uphold its constitutional duty to protect all citizens.
A test for democracy
The violence during the protests has added to growing concerns about Malawi’s readiness for the 2025 elections. As electoral concerns continue to dominate public discourse, the role of the police in safeguarding democratic processes has never been more critical.
The silence from senior police officials regarding Wednesday’s incident has only fueled public outrage. As demands for accountability grow, all eyes are now on the MPS to take decisive action and restore public confidence in its ability to serve and protect without fear or favor.
Malawi stands at a crossroads. The choices made in the coming days will not only determine the credibility of its law enforcement institutions but also shape the trajectory of its democracy.
