By Burnett Munthali
Lilongwe experienced a day of unrest on Monday, November 25, 2024, when a group of panga-wielding men set up camp at the Lilongwe Community Centre Ground after successfully dispersing a group of protesters earlier in the day. The atmosphere at the community center was tense but controlled, as the men maintained a vigilant watch over the area.
However, the situation was drastically different just a short distance away. Barely a three-minute drive from Biwi Junction on the M1 road towards Biwi Triangle, armed police engaged in fierce clashes with protesters who had regrouped near Biwi Township. Teargas filled the air as law enforcement tried to regain control, while the protesters showed no signs of retreat.
The M1 road became a battleground, rendered impassable due to the ongoing violence. Smoke billowed through the air, accompanied by the cacophony of shouts and sirens, creating a scene of chaos and defiance. Vehicles heading towards Blantyre and Chidzanja Road were diverted, causing significant traffic disruptions and leaving many commuters stranded.
The events of the day underscored the growing tensions in the city, with both sides appearing unwilling to back down. As the clashes continued, Lilongwe found itself gripped by uncertainty, with the specter of further unrest looming large.
