By Burnett Munthali
Lilongwe, Malawi – Allegations have surfaced linking State House to the disruptions that marred Wednesday’s peaceful demonstrations in Lilongwe. A man reportedly connected to the institution was apprehended at Crossroads Filing Station, carrying a panga knife concealed in a laptop bag.
The protests, initially calm and orderly, were organized to express dissatisfaction with governance under the Malawi Congress Party (MCP). However, the atmosphere turned chaotic when armed groups, believed to have originated from areas including Mchesi, Msundwe, and State House, disrupted the gatherings, sparking violent confrontations.
Eyewitnesses recounted how the suspect attempted to blend into the crowd after the disruptions. Vigilant citizens identified and detained him, uncovering the weapon in his bag. Upon questioning, the individual presented documents indicating his employment at State House. Despite this, those who apprehended him confiscated his weapon and identification before handing him over to the police.
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Reliable sources have revealed that the man is a resident of Kasiya, Lilongwe. His capture has fueled speculation about the possible involvement of State House in attempts to suppress the demonstrations.
The violent turn of events has drawn widespread condemnation. Civil society organizations and human rights groups have expressed outrage, describing the disruptions as an assault on democratic freedoms.
In a rare show of unity, former presidents Dr. Bakili Muluzi, Dr. Joyce Banda, and Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika issued a joint statement denouncing the violence. “This conduct undermines democracy and must not be tolerated. Citizens have the right to express their grievances peacefully without interference or intimidation,” they declared.
Calls for accountability and justice have intensified, with many urging the government to launch a transparent investigation into the incident. So far, the police have not provided an official statement regarding the suspect’s detention or any pending charges.
The incident has amplified concerns about the MCP government’s commitment to protecting democratic rights, with opposition leaders and activists demanding clarity on the role of State House in these events.
As tensions rise, the episode underscores the growing challenges to democratic governance in Malawi, leaving many questioning the government’s dedication to upholding the constitutional rights of its citizens.
