By Burnett Munthali
The Political Science Association (PSA) has strongly condemned the recent wave of political violence in Lilongwe, where panga-wielding thugs have twice disrupted peaceful demonstrations.
In a statement signed by PSA President Henry Chingaipe and Secretary General Makhumbo Munthali, the association expressed concern over the government’s silence and inaction in addressing the violent disruptions.
“Neither has it merited action to hold perpetrators of violence accountable. It is our view that the silence and the inaction against perpetrators of violence is unfortunate and sends out wrong signals to perpetrators of violence that they are above the law and that their criminal acts will go unsanctioned,” the statement read.
The PSA decried the systematic pattern of violence and the lack of government intervention, stating that it undermines the constitutional right to peaceful demonstration. They argued that the failure to act has fostered a perception that state agents are complicit in these “acts of savagery and barbarism.”
The association called on the government, law enforcement agencies, and citizens to unequivocally condemn the violence and take decisive steps to uphold the Constitution.
“We urge law enforcement agencies, especially the Malawi Police, to bring to book the militia-like violent disruptors of lawful assemblies of citizens who gather to exercise their democratic right to peaceful demonstration,” the statement added
PSA warned that the ongoing violence threatens Malawi’s democratic gains and fosters political intolerance, which could lead to democratic backsliding. They emphasized the need for decisive action to restore public confidence in the government’s commitment to protecting democratic rights and freedoms.
This call comes at a time when political tensions are escalating, with citizens increasingly expressing discontent over governance issues. The PSA’s stance has been lauded by activists and civil society groups who share concerns over the apparent normalization of politically motivated violence.
